Thousands of students marched toward Indonesia’s Parliament in Jakarta on Monday, protesting lavish lawmakers’ allowances.
Riot police fired tear gas to prevent protesters from reaching the Parliament building.
Protesters threw rocks and bottles and set fires under a flyover near the heavily guarded compound.
Authorities blocked surrounding streets and toll roads, creating severe traffic jams throughout the city.
Officials deployed more than 1,200 security personnel to secure the Parliament area.
Outrage Over Housing Allowances
Reports revealed 580 House of Representatives members received 50 million rupiah (€2,637) monthly housing allowances since September 2024.
Protesters called the allowances unjust amid widespread economic hardship for ordinary citizens.
The housing benefit equals about 20 times the minimum wage in poorer regions.
Demonstrators demand lawmakers abolish these extravagant benefits in addition to their regular salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowances, claiming officials adjusted them based on current Jakarta prices.
Corruption Concerns Drive Protests
Activists say corruption remains widespread in Indonesia’s government and law enforcement.
They accuse police and Parliament members of exploiting power while citizens struggle.
Monday’s unrest produced no immediate reports of injuries, but tensions around Parliament remain high.
Protesters vowed to continue demonstrating until lawmakers address public outrage over the controversial allowances.
Public anger reflects frustration with perceived inequality and endemic corruption in the country of over 280 million people.
