(21 Apr 2022)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jakarta - 21 April 2022
1. Various of demonstrators marching on the streets of Jakarta
2. Wide of demonstrator speaking on the top of vehicle and people gathered
3. Demonstrator speaking
4. Demonstrators applauding
5. Mid of student demonstrating
6. SOUNDBITE (Indonesian) Kelvin Owen, student:
"There is an increase in the price of fuel and cooking oil which affects the prices of other basic commodities. This is very burdensome for our mothers, workers and farmers. We are very concerned about this government (its performance) and we demand justice."
7. Protesters holding signs
8. Close of protester holding sign reading (English): "I love you Indonesia"
9. Mid of banner reading (Indonesian) "Lower the cooking oil prices, fire the trade minister, Jokowi (nickname of Indonesian President Joko Widodo) fail, Jokowi step down, lower basic commodities prices"
10. Demonstrators in front of the Indonesian parliament building
11. Student demonstrators
STORYLINE:
Hundreds of protesters, mostly students, took to the streets Thursday in Indonesia’s capital, voicing concern over rumors that the government is considering postponing the 2024 presidential election to allow President Joko Widodo to remain in office beyond the two-term legal limit, calling it a threat to the country’s democracy.
The protesters also railed against soaring food and oil prices, a controversial job law and the targeting of activists who oppose government policies.
Labor unions, farmer organizations and women's groups also joined the demonstrations, which were reignited following another demonstration on April 11 in front of the Parliament building in Jakarta, where police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, and in other cities across the country.
Calm had largely returned over the past 10 days.
Authorities in Jakarta on Thursday blocked streets leading to the heavily guarded presidential palace and Parliament building.
Protesters had marched there to demand that lawmakers not delay the election or amend the constitution to allow Widodo to run again in 2024.
Widodo has denied that his administration is attempting to delay the vote after senior politicians, including a close ally, supported the idea, and he ordered the Cabinet to confirm that the election has been set for February 14, 2024.
Despite denials, doubts about his intentions have persisted.
Thursday's protest involved about 800 people, according to Jakarta police spokesman Endra Zulpan, who said that the crowd dispersed peacefully as darkness fell.
The protesters also slammed the country's widely criticized Job Creation Law, which was declared unconstitutional in a Constitutional Court ruling last November, and urged the government and legislature to call off the ongoing deliberations to amend it.
Critics have charged it would cripple labor rights and harm the environment.
Demonstrators also demanded that the government stop alleged violence against and oppression of activists who defend the rights of the underprivileged, including those displaced by government development projects, as well as opponents who criticize the Widodo administration.
The National Police have been under fire for allegedly using excessive force against suspected criminals and abusing the law by criminalizing critics and activists.
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