Indonesians Are Sharing This Blue Image To Draw Attention To The Parliament's Attempt To Erod Democracy
Tens of thousands of Indonesians have been sharing the picture, which shows “emergency warning” in Bahasa Indonesian with the country's national eagle symbol.
Chances are you've probably seen this blue picture being shared on Instagram the past week.
Via Instagram
Well, that's because tens of thousands of Indonesians have been sharing the picture, which shows “emergency warning” in Bahasa Indonesian with the country's national eagle symbol.
So what is going on in Indonesia?
People in Indonesia have been holding huge protests across the country after the government tried to change the law to make it harder for opposition parties to nominate candidates for local elections.
A student gives a speech during a demonstration to reject the revision of the regional election law in front of the West Java DPRD Building in Bandung, Indonesia. (Photo credit: Getty)
It all started on Wednesday Aug. 21, when Indonesia’s constitutional court made two rulings:
1. It lowered the threshold for political parties to nominate candidates for the local elections from 20%.
People holds posters during a protest against a move to overturn a Constitutional Court ruling that changed eligibility rules for candidates in the general election later this year, in front of the East Java Provincial Parliament in Surabaya. (Photo credit: Getty)
This means smaller parties can now propose candidates as they no longer need to hold at least 20% of seats in a regional legislature.
Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against a move to overturn a Constitutional Court ruling that changed eligibility rules for candidates in the general election later this year, in front of the East Java Provincial Parliament in Surabaya. (Photo credit: Getty)
It also rejected a proposal to lower the age limit for candidates running for office and kept it at 30 years old.
A woman casts her ballot for Indonesia's presidential and legislative elections at a polling station in Banda Aceh. (Photo credit: Getty)
However, the next day, the Indonesian parliament, which is dominated by outgoing president Joko Widodo's party, tried to reverse these rulings.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, wearing a traditional Betawi attire, delivers his annual state of the nation address at the parliament building in Jakarta. (Photo credit: Getty)
The parliament tried to raise the nomination threshold back to 20% again, which protesters said would weaken the opposition and block independent candidates from running.
University students hold a poster reading "We are fed up with your tricks and drama" during a protest against a move to overturn a Constitutional Court ruling that changed eligibility rules for candidates in the general election later this year. (Photo credit: Getty)
They include popular independent opposition candidate, Anies Baswedan, a vocal government critic who was running for Jakarta governor.
Presidential and vice presidential candidates, Anies Baswedan (C) and Muhaimin Iskandar (back C), greet their supporters during their campaign rally at the Jakarta International Stadium. (Photo credit: Getty)
The parliament also tried to lower the age limit, which would allow Widodo’s 29-year-old youngest son to run for office.
Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), stands in front of a picture of his father Joko Widodo. (Photo credit: Getty)
This move has been widely seen as an attempt by Widodo – popularly known as Jokowi – to extend his power and political influence and establish a political dynasty.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo sits across from Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a discussion in the Cabinet Room at Parliament House on February 10, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo credit: Getty)
Widodo is leaving office in October after serving the maximum of two five-year terms as president.
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (R) and First Lady Iriana Iriana Widodo arrive to attend the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the parliament building in Jakarta. (Photo credit: Getty)
Although popular throughout most of his time, Widodo was accused of nepotism after his oldest son, 36-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka, was elected as the country's youngest vice-president in February.
Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto (L) speaks to the media with Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka (R) after the plenary meeting of the General Elections Commission (KPU) announcing the 2024 presidential election at the KPU office in Jakarta. (Photo credit: Getty)
This photo taken on on February 14, 2024 shows Presidential candidate and Indonesia's Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto (L) speaks on the stage with vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka. (Photo credit: Getty)
Protesters took to the streets across several cities, rallying against what they say is nepotism and the parliament's attempt to erode democracy.
Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against a move to overturn a Constitutional Court ruling that changed eligibility rules for candidates in the general election later this year, in front of the East Java Provincial Parliament in Surabaya. (Photo credit: Getty)
Faced with mounting pressure, the parliament eventually scrapped the plan to overturn the court’s decision on Thursday Aug. 22.
An aerial view of thousands of protesters gathering in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building during a rally against controversial changes to election laws in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo credit: Getty)
Registrations for local elections will begin on Tuesday Aug. 27 so it appears unlikely that the parliament will be able to overturn the rulings before then.
Sofia Hou
