Indonesian Parliament Cancels Election Law Changes Following Widespread Street Protests

The Indonesian Parliament has retreated from its plan to change the election law in the country following intensified widespread street protests. As demonstrations began outside the Indonesian Parliament and security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters on Thursday, September 1, Sofmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament, stated that the institution would not approve any changes to the election laws during the current administration. According to Reuters, the Parliament, dominated by supporters of the resigning President Joko Widodo and his successor Prabowo Subianto, was set to vote on the repeal of changes to the election laws established by the Constitutional Court. Sofmi Dasco Ahmad told the news agency that discussions would continue in the next legislative session, and no changes would be made before the upcoming elections and before the end of Joko Widodo's presidency in October of this year. Meanwhile, thousands gathered outside the Parliament carrying placards accusing the Indonesian President of undermining democracy. The protests were sparked by the question of which government body has the authority to determine election laws. Joko Widodo, who has served two terms as President of Indonesia, will be replaced by a new president on October 20.