Security forces fire water cannon at protesters outside Indonesia's parliament building

Protesters attempting to storm Indonesia's parliament during a protest against controversial changes to election laws that could further enhance the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo, in Jakarta on Aug 22, 2024. - AP

JAKARTA: Security forces fired water cannon outside the parliament building in Jakarta on Thursday (Aug 22) at protesters demanding that lawmakers drop their plan for a controversial revision of election rules, local television channels reported.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the House building on Thursday some breaching part of a fence, but few daring to cross it. Others draped banners accusing Jokowi of destroying democracy, and carried colourful banners and props, including a mock guillotine featuring the president's face.