Democracy is not just about having elections every five years. What sets a democratic system apart from an oligarchy or dynasty politics if there is no opposition or if policies are adjusted based solely on the needs of the president or his relatives?
Unfortunately, this scenario seems to be unfolding in Indonesia. The House of Representatives (DPR) unexpectedly convened a meeting regarding the revision of the Regional Election Law (UU Pilkada) on Wednesday, August 22, 2024, openly defying a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling issued just a day earlier. This move sparked public outrage, especially on social media, where the hashtag #KawalPutusanMK (safeguarding MK’s ruling) trended widely.
Yet, Indonesian netizen activism was not confined to the digital realm; it also manifested in reality. Many Indonesian college students and citizens protested against the signs of authoritarianism, but it felt as though their voices went unheard. Adding to the public’s frustration, Erina Gudono, wife of Kaesang Pangarep (the third child of the current president, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo), posted about her trip to the United States, casually sharing a picture of a bakery item priced at around four hundred thousand rupiah, or approximately 25 dollars. Her actions were perceived as indifferent, leading Indonesian netizens to liken her to Java’s Marie Antoinette.
The hashtag #KawalPutusanMK evolved from a mere keyword into a powerful tool for Indonesian netizens to display solidarity, especially on political matters. It’s clear that Indonesia has moved beyond being a nation of spectators, who once passively watched the elite vie for power, to a society eager to take action, whether by sharing memes or engaging with content on social media.
Moreover, Indonesian netizens’ activism is intricately linked to popular culture. Through memes and comics, they creatively critique the current political landscape. These cultural tools serve as political commentary and as mechanisms to mobilize public opinion and unite people against perceived nepotism and authoritarianism. This approach amplifies their message across diverse social strata, allowing their concerns to resonate widely.
Indonesian netizens perceive recent events as efforts by President Jokowi to secure government positions for his family. For example, changes made by the Constitutional Court (MK) to the age requirement for vice-presidential candidates seem to benefit his son Gibran. Similarly, proposed amendments to local election (Pilkada) regulations are seen as advantageous for his other son, Kaesang. These developments have led to accusations of nepotism, inciting significant public backlash.
This is why Indonesian netizens have rallied behind a shared identity encapsulated by the #KawalPutusanMK hashtag. The sentiment is further visualized in the “Peringatan Darurat” image with a striking blue background, symbolizing the urgency of safeguarding democracy. This visual raises awareness that Indonesia’s democratic values are perceived to be under threat, reinforcing a call for vigilance against attempts to undermine the rule of law.
Despite counterarguments claiming the protests are primarily driven by supporters of Anies Baswedan or disenchanted individuals, dismissing the #KawalPutusanMK movement as partisan politics overlooks the profound concerns many Indonesians have about their democracy’s state. The extensive use of the hashtag and the “Peringatan Darurat” (Urgent Warning) symbolism reflect a deep unease that extends beyond political affiliations.
Indonesian netizens have conducted thorough research, uncovering old tweets by Ridwan Kamil, a candidate for Governor of Jakarta, allegedly portraying negative opinions about Jakarta society. This proactive examination of past statements highlights the public’s determination to hold officials accountable and challenge those in power.
However, these protests face substantial obstacles. On social media, the presence of buzzers and a high-profile celebrity infidelity scandal aim to distract and divide the focus of concerned citizens. Meanwhile, street protests by students and citizens in Jakarta have been met with extensive tear gas, while in Semarang, police actions suggest little has been learned from past incidents like the Kanjuruhan tragedy.
One thing is certain: Indonesian society is starting to question their faith in the Jokowi administration and even President Jokowi himself. Increasingly, rather than calling him Jokowi or President Jokowi, people refer to him as Mulyono, his childhood name. In Javanese culture, using a childhood name can be seen as disrespectful. This change reflects deep disillusionment, as many feel abandoned by a leader they once trusted, now viewing him as removed from the values he once championed.
