INDONESIAN police deployed tear gas and water cannon against thousands of students protesting against extending the presidential term limit today, after rumours swirled for weeks about a potential change to the country’s constitution.

The Southeast Asian nation’s next election is in 2024, and President Joko Widodo will not be eligible to run as Indonesia places a two-term limit on its leader.

But senior ministers and several political parties last month suggested the election should be delayed and the constitution amended to allow presidents to serve more than two terms.

About 2,000 university students gathered in front of the House of Representatives building today. Indonesia has seen similar rallies sprout across the country last week.

“We demand the House of Representatives not betray the constitution by making an amendment, and we firmly reject delaying the 2024 election,” said protest coordinator Luthfi Yufrizal in a statement.

Police later deployed tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters, according to AFP reporters on the scene.

Some students clashed with police, who rounded up dozens of people to be taken in for questioning.

The debate on delaying the election and extending the presidential term has gathered steam since March, despite Widodo rebuking the suggestions multiple times.

Yesterday, he reiterated that it is “speculation”.

“The schedules for the presidential and regional election of 2024 have been agreed. It is all clear,” he tweeted.

“Do not be provoked by insignificant political interests.”

But critics said his objection to the proposals comes far too late, only fuelling the furore. – AFP, April 11, 2022.