In brief
Protests across Indonesia have surged following the government's controversial increase in lawmakers' allowances. In a bid to quell dissent, President Prabowo Subianto has agreed to cut certain political perks, including a moratorium on overseas trips. However, students and protest leaders assert that these measures are insufficient in addressing the broader economic issues fueling public anger. Tensions rose significantly after a ride-sharing driver was killed during a protest, prompting accusations of police misconduct.
Indonesian political parties have agreed to reverse some state-funded perks their politicians receive in a bid to quell nationwide protests, the country's president has said.
Several cities in the Southeast Asian nation, including the capital, Jakarta, have been gripped by anti-government demonstrations over the past week that have sometimes escalated into clashes between protesters and police.
While the protests have been fueled by various issues, one significant complaint concerns a new monthly allowance for lawmakers. President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that several perks would be curtailed, including the size of some allowances.
The Indonesian leader, who has already had to cancel a trip to China due to the unrest, stated that some demonstrations had exceeded peaceful definitions and may amount to 'treason and terrorism.' He ordered police and armed forces to take strong action against looting and property damage. Reports indicate that the home of Indonesia's finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, was targeted by looters on Sunday.
The protests primarily center on an increase of 50 million rupiah ($3,030; £2,250) in parliamentarians’ allowances, which is almost ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. The situation escalated further after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old ride-sharing driver who was run over by a police vehicle during a demonstration in the capital. This incident sparked accusations of police excessive force, leading to an investigation and apologies from both Prabowo and the police chief.
Three protest-related deaths were reported after demonstrators set fire to a regional parliament building, with continuing protests over the weekend where police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds. Local students have expressed that the government’s proposed cuts to parliamentary budgets and allowances are not sufficient, with demands for better wages, lower taxes, and strict anti-corruption measures.
Prabowo’s leadership is now under scrutiny, with critics worried about a potential return to authoritarian governance. While government officials acknowledge public dissatisfaction, protesters and student leaders argue that deeper structural issues remain unresolved.
