Dozens of students have established a camp outside the Governor’s Office and the local DPRD in Semarang, Central Java, as they vigilantly monitor the Constitutional Court’s forthcoming decision on electoral reform.
Since the evening of August 23, 2024, a committed group of HMI organization students have been camping in front of the governmental buildings in Semarang, pressing for the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s rulings on electoral thresholds and candidate age limits.
Catalyst for the Protest
The students’ protest was sparked by the General Election Commission’s (KPU) hesitation to adapt its regulations following the cancellation of electoral law revisions by the legislature. “We will maintain our camp here until our demands are acknowledged and implemented by the KPU,” stated Ipang, the chairman of HMI Semarang.
Demands for KPU Action
Amid preparations for local head elections, the protesters demand swift action from the KPU to draft new regulations in alignment with the Constitutional Court’s decisions, ensuring the upcoming elections’ legality.
Response from Jakarta
In response to the protests and legislative inaction, Commission II of the DPR RI has moved to adjust the KPU’s electoral regulations. “We have agreed to revisions that reflect the decisions of the Constitutional Court. The draft for KPU Regulation No. 8 of 2024 now fully accommodates the mandates of Decisions No. 60 and 70,” announced Ahmad Doli Kurnia, Chair of Commission II.
National Implications
The persistent student protests highlight broader national issues around the implementation of court rulings and the adjustment of electoral laws, signaling ongoing challenges within Indonesia’s governance frameworks.
Read More: Chaos at Parliament: Journalists and Protesters Assaulted in Jakarta
Continuing Advocacy
The active engagement of these students in Semarang exemplifies a dynamic civic landscape where young people are increasingly influencing the political processes and striving for enhanced governance and transparency in Indonesia.
The proactive stance of Semarang’s students provides insight into the vibrant political engagement among Indonesia’s youth, particularly in ensuring legal and electoral systems are transparent and accountable.
Students in Semarang are camping out at government offices to ensure the implementation of new electoral laws aligns with Constitutional Court rulings, reflecting a broader demand for transparent and accountable governance processes in Indonesia.
Sources: Kompas.com, Antara News (2024)
