Protests in Indonesia on privileges for parliament members and 'corrupt elites'
13 days ago
- #Indonesia protests
- #military influence
- #MP allowances
- Riot police used water cannons and teargas against protesters in Jakarta.
- Protesters were angry over MPs' monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075), nearly 10 times Jakarta's minimum wage.
- Demonstrators demanded the abolition of lavish allowances and protested against 'corrupt elites' and military influence in civilian life.
- Indonesia passed a law allowing the military to take more civilian roles, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
- Protesters carried flags from the manga 'One Piece,' a symbol of anti-government dissent.
- President Prabowo's austerity measures, including cuts to education and health, fueled public anger.
- Police blocked streets and deployed over 1,200 personnel; clashes involved rocks, bottles, and fires.
- No immediate reports of injuries from the clashes.
- House speaker defended the allowances, citing adjustments for Jakarta's living costs.
- Recent protests in Central Java and Sulawesi also opposed property tax hikes, signaling growing dissent.