The Indonesian government has abandoned a proposed change to the electoral law after massive protests. Protesters feared the amendment would give the government more power. The plan was withdrawn under pressure from the demonstrations.

The unrest erupted because the Indonesian government planned to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that the electoral threshold in upcoming regional elections was unfair.

Because of this electoral threshold, only candidates from large coalitions will be able to run. In many cases, this will involve a candidate from a party that is part of the new president’s coalition. The Supreme Court ruling gives smaller parties more room to participate.

In addition, the Supreme Court ruled to maintain the minimum age for candidates. They must not be less than 30 years.

Less than a day later, the government decided to overturn the ruling with emergency legislation. That would pave the way for Kaesang Pangarip, the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo, to run in the Java regional election in November. He is 29 years old, so he will not be able to participate under current rules.

In addition, the emergency legislation would make it impossible for Anies Baswedan, a prominent critic of the government coalition, to run for a key post: Jakarta governor. The interior minister said the changes were aimed at “providing legal certainty.”

The government’s intention has led to widespread unrest. Thousands of people gathered today in front of the parliament building in the capital Jakarta, where the amendments to the law will be voted on.

They clashed with police. Tear gas was used, among other things. Some carried banners with texts accusing President Widodo of destroying democracy. There were also protests in other cities.

Ultimately, it became clear that the vote on the amendment to the electoral law would not take place. There were not enough lawmakers present. The government later said that the change would not go forward at all during President Widodo’s remaining term in office. Therefore, the amendment would in no way have any impact on the upcoming regional elections.

Indonesia’s parliament is mainly made up of a coalition of parties allied with outgoing President Widodo, known as Jokowi, and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.