Indonesian Police Tear Gas Students Protesting Election Delay

On April 11th, Indonesian police used tear gas and a water cannon on a large group of university students. The students were protesting in response to the ongoing rumors of delayed presidential elections and the extension of President Joko Widodo’s presidential term.

In an interview given to Reuters, student Muhammad Lufti described the fear among students towards the rumor of Widodo’s term extension. “What’s clear is how the elites are forcing themselves to delay the election, and that’s what hurts the constitution,” said Lufti.

The protesters’ main fear was that Widodo would pass an amendment that would legally allow him to continue as president, the protest’s organizer, who went by Kaharuddin, told the Associated Press. “’We demand that the lawmakers do not betray the country’s constitution by amending [the constitution]. We want them to listen to the people’s aspirations,” Kaharuddin said.

Rumors circulating about Widodo’s presidential-term extension are rooted in the recent push from Widodo’s allies to delay the 2024 elections so that Widodo can oversee the completion of the country’s recent economic and strategic objectives. Furthermore, if enough of Widodo’s legislative body supports his term extension, an amendment to the Indonesian constitution is highly possible.

Widodo himself has been ambivalent about calming the Indonesian peoples’ fear. While he has called the plan “a slap in the face,” Widodo has also stated that he plans on abiding by the constitution regardless of its nature, even if the proposed amendment is passed.

An extension of presidential power in Indonesia is particularly worrying, as it may be the first step in a democratic backslide. Indonesia is a recently established democracy, and its constitution was only drafted in 1999. Since democracy in Indonesia was established, elections – particularly Widodo’s most recent re-election in 2019 – have been heavily contested regarding their legitimacy, accuracy, and democratic nature.

These contested elections are only one example of possible democratic backsliding in the nation. According to the Freedom House Institute, Indonesian citizens’ political rights and civil liberties are currently only “partly free.” The country also has a known history of suppressing political dissidents and critics, from banning social media to banning university political groups. The April 11th protest was not the first time police have used tear gas and force to suppress critical voices.

As Indonesian elections draw near, there will be more information on Widodo and his allies’ stance towards extending his presidential term. Given the state’s crackdown on free speech, Indonesia’s future relies on the international community’s awareness and attention.

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