Massive Protests In Indonesia: Protesters Breach Parliament!

Thousands of Indonesians attempted to storm the country’s parliament building in the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta on Thursday(August 22), during protests against proposed changes to the country’s election laws.

🚨🇮🇩 MASSIVE PROTESTS: FURIOUS CROWDS BREACH INDONESIAN PARLIAMENT FENCES!

Jakarta is in turmoil as enraged protesters storm the parliament, breaking through fences to stop election law changes that could tighten President Jokowi's grip on power and block key critics.

Chanting… https://t.co/4njBYLidKk pic.twitter.com/b9Efq3v8Ec

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 22, 2024

Thousands of protesters stormed Indonesia’s parliament, tearing down fences and clashing with police over a controversial law change that could allow President Jokowi’s 29-year-old son, Kaesang, to run for office.

The proposed law would lower the minimum age for governors from 35 to 30 and ease nomination requirements, sparking fears of “dynastic politics.” This move could enable Kaesang to bypass age restrictions and enter a regional race in Central Java.

Protesters hurled stones as security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons. Fires erupted as anger spread nationwide, forcing lawmakers to delay the vote due to a lack of quorum

Chanting “Jokowi is destroying democracy,” protesters faced off against security forces, who responded with water cannons. In one city, a banner reading “Democracy Dies Here” was held up as tear gas filled the streets.

But the law would allow the normal democratic processes to take place, it would allow the lowering of age, not special treatment.

Why do the protesters say that democracy is ended? When they can choose to not vote for the candidate?

The Shadow of the Deep State In Indonesia Protest 

While the protests may be on genuine issue as was the case in Bangladesh it is possible powers behind the scenes could be driving this with an ulterior motive.

It is particularly concerning that it is the same pattern is being used, as it was in the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh protests which toppled the elected government. Many analysts say that the protests allegedly had the involvement of the CIA.

The protest is on genuine issues but the protesters will suddenly in the name of democracy do undemocratic things. They threaten the current Government to step down even though it would be democratically elected. The protestors would storm the parliament and then the President or the Prime Minister’s house or office forcing them to step down.

As soon as a new government formed through this undemocratic process US would be the first to support it even though it claims itself as a bastion of Democracy. Here the Indonesian protests also have similar patterns raising questions about the possible involvement of the Deep State like the CIA.

Also Read: How The CIA Successfully Did A Coup In Bangladesh

Broader Implications Of Indonesia Protests

Today Indo-Pacific is surrounded by instability, and political crises in all of the Indian neighbors. The recent regional upheaval benefits only one Nation that is the US. It is only logical that one tries to point out the beneficiary of this unlikely coincidence and only one Nation benefits.

Also Read: Thailand Joins The New Streak Of Regime Change In India’s Neighborhood

Curiously all the political instability happens one after another in a line. As if one needs to focus and keep track of things so that things may not go out of control. And surprisingly it is those who like to have their strategic autonomy and not blind supporters of the US policy.

This series of events has surrounded India with unstable neighbors all around it like a circle. This forces India to focus on its Internal situation and security with its neighbors and its economic growth. This again benefits the US as it seems to not want any nation to surpass it or even come close to it.

If Indonesia falls prey to these tactics, it could further destabilize Southeast Asia. And thereby creating a domino effect that might lead to even greater unrest in the region.

China? Involved In The Indonesia Protest 

One may wonder what if China is involved, but there are credible reasons why China would not do such a thing.

One it would destabilize the region, for a nation that is looking for new markets it seems counterproductive.

Two why would China topple regimes that are favorable to it, like Bangladesh and the junta of Myanmar? Even the current Indonesian Government is also a friend of China.

Although it is possible for the Chinese involvement the risks outweigh the benefits. And the playbook used by the protesters is from the playbook of the CIA used in the Middle East.

Also Read: China: Economic Crisis Worsens

Where is it headed?

The goal of the actions observed seems to encircle India and topple China’s favored Governments. But this has put all democratic governments at risk. Because if all it took was for the protesters to storm the PM or President’s house and force them to resign.

This will prompt the undemocratic forces to use this against the Governments. If the governments wish to be safe from such a situation from occurring they will crack down on all protests. This will only push the government to be authoritarian or risk a regime change.

This is pushing us closer and closer to a World War-like situation as a simple spark could ignite a unextinguishable fire.

It is time India take steps to protect it interests or risk being a pawn in another game