Pribadi Wicaksono (Contributor), Yogyakarta – Students and activists in Yogyakarta joining the Aksi Jogja Memanggil or Jogja is Calling movement have taken to the streets again on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, demanding an end to the political dynasty of Joko Widodo or Jokowi.
Joining the rally included the Cik Ditiro Forum, representatives from various campuses including UGM, UII, UMY, UNY, labor unions, and community groups such as Malioboro street vendors and the Gusdurian Network.
Tempo observed that the protesters gathered at the Abu Bakar Ali Parking Lot and marched towards the Zero Kilometer Point. The police closed the Malioboro Street to facilitate the march.
The demonstrators carried banners and placards criticizing Jokowi's attempts to establish a political dynasty and undermine democratic principles in Indonesia post-reform. They chanted slogans demanding Jokowi's removal from power and the rejection of his family's dynastic ambitions.
The orators urged the protesters to remain peaceful and avoid any provocative actions, citing the chaotic incidents in Semarang on Monday, August 26. They emphasized the importance of maintaining order and discipline throughout the demonstration.
"There are efforts to divide us, saying that our action in Jogja will turn anarchic. Do not be provoked, remain orderly and peaceful," the orator shouted.
The protesters also displayed a large banner depicting half of Jokowi's face and the other half of President-elect Prabowo Subianto whose running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's eldest son. The banner labeled both figures as "equally fascist". Other banners satirized the Jokowi regime family.
This protest is part of a wave of demonstrations against the Jokowi government that have been taking place in Yogyakarta in recent weeks. Thousands of people, particularly students, have taken to the streets in response to the House of Representatives (DPR) attempt to annul the Constitutional Court decision on the regional elections, which could pave the way for Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in the race.