Indonesia – The country is facing a wave of public protests after revelations about generous housing allowances for members of parliament. Each of the 580 lawmakers reportedly receives around 50 million rupiah per month—nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage—on top of their regular salaries. Flooding into the streets of Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and other cities, protesters channeled deeper frustrations with inequality, economic hardship, and elite privileges.
The unrest intensified after a viral video showed 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan fatally struck by a police armored vehicle during a rally. The incident ignited a national wake-up call, transforming peaceful rallies into larger demonstrations.
The government, led by President Prabowo Subianto, has taken steps to defuse the unrest: perks for legislators have been slashed, overseas trips for MPs have been suspended, and a full investigation into the driver’s death was ordered. Prabowo also postponed his official trip to China—canceling participation in the upcoming military parade—as part of a broader damage-control effort.
Security forces have responded with robust measures. In Jakarta, checkpoints have been erected, armored convoys paraded outside the parliament complex, snipers positioned at key sites, and streets patrolled by both police and military. Schools in the capital shifted to online classes, and civil servants were told to work from home in a bid to reduce exposure to unrest.
The impact has been felt beyond demonstrations. Investor jitters triggered a sharp sell-off; Indonesia’s stock index fell over 3%. Meanwhile, seven people have died and over 20 people have been reported missing during the riots, and international organizations—including the UN—are urging the government to investigate claims of excessive force.
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