Last week, what started as a small, student-led protest in Jakarta against “tone-deaf” perks for Indonesian politicians — including a sizeable monthly housing allowance — evolved into massive, sometimes violent demonstrations against police brutality, income inequality, and political accountability.
The demonstrations began after it was disclosed that parliamentarians were receiving up to C$4,200 (50 million Indonesian rupiah) monthly as a housing allowance, in addition to a relatively high salary. One protester interviewed by CNA said that “the people are struggling, and they show us a glamorous lifestyle as if we can afford it.”
At least seven people have died as a result of the protests, while more than 1,200 have been arrested. Police used tear gas against protesters in Bali, and in Bandung, the capital of West Java, police shot at protesters with rubber bullets.
The protests are the biggest test yet for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was voted into office last October.
In response to the protests — which saw a minority of protesters loot and even set fire to the homes of several Indonesian politicians, police headquarters, and regional parliament buildings — Prabowo announced that some of the controversial benefits for politicians would be cut or reduced, including pricey diplomatic trips abroad.
Prabowo cancelled a planned trip to China to deal with the fallout of the protests.
