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Indonesia’s protest victory sparks debate over new era of civic activism, or a rare success story
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Protesters gathered outside Jakarta’s Parliament building on Aug 22, calling for legislators to scrap a controversial Bill.
PHOTO: AFP
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.
