Protesters Clash with Police Over Election Law Changes, Delaying Parliament Vote Amid Rising Unrest in Indonesia

Police used tear gas and water cannons to stop thousands of protesters from storming parliament. The unrest started when demonstrators tore down a fence and clashed with police. This forced lawmakers to delay a vote on changes to election laws that could strengthen President Joko Widodo's political influence.

The protests were sparked by the Constitutional Court's decision to maintain an age limit preventing individuals under 30 from running for regional governorships. This blocks President Widodo's 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, from participating in a regional election in Central Java. The court also made it easier for political parties to nominate candidates, which made people even angrier.

Amid the chaos, parliament voted to lower the minimum age for governors to 30 and simplify nomination rules. The vote was delayed because there were not enough people there.

People are angry about the proposed changes and think there could be a constitutional crisis. Protests were held in major cities, including Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. People from all walks of life took part. In Yogyakarta, around 1,000 people protested in front of government buildings. They want political dynasties to be rejected and the Constitutional Court's rulings to be respected.

As tensions rise, the situation is still unstable. Protesters are occupying roads near parliament and setting fires.