Thousands storm Indonesian Parliament as massive protest erupt in Jakarta | WATCH

New Delhi: Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is in the midst of intense turmoil as furious protesters breached the gates of parliament, rallying against proposed election law changes that critics fear could strengthen President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) hold on power. The protests, which have drawn thousands of people, aim to block potential legislation that may pave the way for Jokowi’s son to enter politics while silencing key opposition figures.

'Jokowi is destroying democracy'

Chanting slogans such as "Jokowi is destroying democracy," the protesters clashed with security forces, who responded forcefully with water cannons to disperse the crowd. A powerful symbol of dissent emerged in one city where demonstrators hoisted a banner declaring "Democracy Dies Here" as tear gas clouded the streets.

Mass protests erupted in Jakarta, Indonesia, as demonstrators stormed parliament, opposing changes to regional election laws.#BREAKING #IndonesiaDaruratDemokrasi #Indonesia #Jakarta pic.twitter.com/rzkR31ocN1

— Target Reporter (@Target_Reporter) August 22, 2024

The controversial vote on the new election laws was delayed after the legislative body failed to reach a quorum, but tensions remain high across the country. Opponents of the proposed changes believe they threaten the democratic foundation of Indonesia, sparking widespread unrest.

🚨🇮🇩THOUSANDS PROTEST INDONESIA'S ELECTION POWER GRAB

Protesters gathered outside parliament as the government moves to overturn a court ruling that would allow smaller parties to compete in elections.

Indonesia's top court ruled that parties would not need a minimum 20% of… pic.twitter.com/JRiFrDotGZ

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 22, 2024

Water cannons, tear gas engulf streets amid protests

The chaos outside Indonesia’s parliament escalated as security forces fired water cannons at demonstrators who had breached security fences in protest of the potential election law amendments. The protests have spread across the country, with cities like Semarang also witnessing severe clashes as authorities used tear gas to control the growing crowds.

🚨🇮🇩WATER CANNONS FIRED AT INDONESIAN PROTESTERS

Chaos erupted outside Indonesia’s parliament as security forces unleashed water cannons on protesters opposing changes to election laws.

Thousands gathered, some breaching fences, while banners accused President Jokowi of… https://t.co/xAEwKqlI9n pic.twitter.com/NONfSwoBMa

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 22, 2024

The proposed laws, which many believe would tighten Jokowi’s grip on power and allow his family to enter politics, have triggered nationwide backlash. The delay in ratifying the law due to lack of quorum has only heightened the uncertainty, as the nation watches closely to see how these unprecedented protests will impact Indonesia’s political future.