Indonesia’s protest victory sparks debate over new era of civic activism, or a rare success story

Demonstrators burn objects amid clashes outside the Parliament building in Jakarta on August 22, 2024 during a protest against a move to reverse the Constitutional Court's decision altering eligibility rules for candidates in a key election later this year. (Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP)

Protesters gathered outside Jakarta’s Parliament building on Aug 22, calling for legislators to scrap a controversial Bill.

PHOTO: AFP

Hariz Baharudin

Follow topic:

JAKARTA - The success this month of protesters in Indonesia, who managed to block a controversial Bill in Parliament that was seen as a move to constrict democracy, has sparked discussions about the country entering a new era of civic activism – but not everyone is convinced.

The

decision by political elites to yield to public pressure

earlier in August is unlikely to set a precedent, given how such a victory following street protests is rare, and how the archipelago has had a controversial history with activists.

Indonesia’s protest victory sparks debate over new era of civic activism, or a rare success story

Follow topic:

See more on