Indonesian Protests Spark Political Turmoil Over Election Rules

Thousands rallied in Indonesia urging the national poll body for election rules following an attempted parliamentary change favoring President Joko Widodo. Protestors opposed changes aiding Widodo's son and blocking a critic. The protests, which saw clashes and detentions, capped a politically charged week.

Thousands of Indonesians took to the streets in multiple cities on Friday, demanding the national election commission set clear rules for regional polls. This outcry followed efforts by President Joko Widodo's allies in parliament to alter eligibility criteria to their benefit.

The demonstrations led to clashes, resulting in 301 arrests and the use of tear gas and water cannons outside parliament. The protests came in the wake of a suspended parliamentary plan to amend candidate eligibility rules due to the absence of a quorum.

Public fury also surged online, with criticism directed at Widodo, known as Jokowi, for potentially benefiting from proposed changes that would enable his son to run for office in Central Java while blocking a key critic from contesting the Jakarta governor position. Jokowi defended the public's right to protest, stating he respected democratic institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)