How Indonesia’s transformative leader tarnished his legacy

Many believe Joko Widodo has tried to bend the laws to install a political dynasty, undercutting the very democracy that let him become president.

Indonesia’s former president Joko Widodo left the top office with an approval rating of 75 per cent. The New York Times

Sui-Lee Wee

Oct 21, 2024 – 1.41pm

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The words “emergency warning” galvanised protesters in Indonesia in August. It was a rallying cry to protect the world’s third-largest democracy, which broke free from dictatorship less than 30 years ago.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets. Some stormed the gates of parliament, tearing one down in fury. The threat, as they saw it, was from their elected leader, president Joko Widodo.