VINANSIA.COM - On Thursday, August 22, 2024, thousands of students and workers across Indonesia staged a demonstration against the enactment of the revised Election Law (UU Pilkada) in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta. 

This protest, part of the "Emergency Indonesia" movement that has gone viral on social media, responds to the DPR's maneuvering that disregards the Constitutional Court's (MK) decision on regional head candidacy requirements.

Key Locations

DPR RI Building: The main demonstration took place in front of the DPR RI building, Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto, Jakarta.

Number of Participants:

Approximately 2,000 workers, along with thousands of students and fishermen from various regions, including Jabodetabek and Banten, joined the protest.

Demands

Pressure on DPR: Protesters are urging the DPR to comply with and amend Decision No. 60/PUU-XXII/2024, which governs the requirements for regional head candidacy.

Monitoring MK's Decision: They also call on the General Election Commission (KPU) to issue a KPU Regulation (PKPU) in line with the MK's decision before August 23, 2024.
Civil Society Participation

Labor Party: The Labor Party has coordinated with various community groups, including students and youth, to participate in today’s protest.

Indonesian Student Alliance (BEM SI): BEM SI has also committed to joining the demonstration, reflecting broad support from the student community.

Political Context

Election Law Revision: The revised Election Law has been approved by eight DPR factions, except the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).

MK Decision: The Constitutional Court has altered the regional election candidacy requirements through Decision No. 60/PUU-XXII/2024, but the DPR has not fully accommodated this ruling.

Thus, this emergency protest serves as a form of resistance and oversight regarding the MK’s ruling on the Election Law, highlighting civil society's objection to the DPR’s actions, which are seen as ignoring constitutional decisions.