Indonesia Postpones Controversial Electoral Law Changes Amid Mass Protests

Indonesia's parliament has postponed proposed changes to electoral laws after nationwide protests. The legislation was seen as benefiting outgoing President Joko Widodo and his incoming successor, Prabowo Subianto, by limiting opposition candidates. The protests reflect wider discontent with the current administration's consolidation of power.

Indonesia's parliament has shelved planned changes to electoral laws following mass protests in the capital and other parts of the country. Demonstrators set fires and clashed with security forces over legislation perceived to weaken opponents of outgoing President Joko Widodo and his successor, Prabowo Subianto.

The parliament, dominated by Widodo and Prabowo supporters, intended to reverse electoral changes made by the constitutional court, which opened the way for government critic Anies Baswedan to run in regional elections.

With no changes before the November elections, Anies may now seek the Jakarta governor's position if nominated by the PDIP party. The protests highlight the public's anger towards the current government's power consolidation and nepotism.

(With inputs from agencies.)