Indonesians condemn end to direct voting for mayors and governors

Indonesians have lost their right to vote in regional elections following a new controversial law approved on Friday. Under the new bill, district leaders, governors and mayors would be indirectly voted into power by regional parliaments rather than voters in the world’s third-largest democracy.

The bill’s supporters say direct elections are costly and rife with mismanagement. Many critics blame the outgoing president’s party for swinging the vote in the bill’s favour by walking out during parliamentary debates. 

Using #ShameOnYouSBY, online users criticised outgoing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his party.