Indonesia Students Clash with Police Over Lawmakers’ Allowances
- Posted on August 26, 2025
- International News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 64 Views
Thousands of university students clashed with riot police in Jakarta as anger erupted over what they call extravagant allowances given to members of Indonesia’s Parliament. The protests, which escalated into violent confrontations, were triggered by reports that lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075).
As demonstrators attempted to march toward the heavily guarded Parliament compound, police blocked their path and fired multiple rounds of tear gas. Protesters hurled stones, bottles, and set small fires under a nearby flyover in retaliation. Authorities said more than 1,200 security personnel were deployed to secure the building, while several major roads, including tollways, were shut down, causing crippling traffic congestion in the capital.
The unrest reflects widespread public frustration over the disparity between lawmakers’ perks and the economic hardship faced by millions of Indonesians. The housing allowance, which lawmakers have been receiving since September 2024, amounts to roughly 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer regions of the country. Activists argue the payments are a stark example of government excess in a nation where corruption is seen as deeply entrenched.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowances, saying they were calculated based on the cost of living in Jakarta. However, this explanation has done little to ease public anger, with students demanding the complete abolition of what they call “lavish privileges” for elected officials.
While no injuries were immediately reported from Monday’s clashes, tensions remain high, and further demonstrations are expected. Analysts warn the protests could grow into a larger movement challenging government accountability if authorities fail to address concerns about inequality and corruption.
Thousands of university students clashed with riot police in Jakarta as anger erupted over what they call extravagant allowances given to members of Indonesia’s Parliament. The protests, which escalated into violent confrontations, were triggered by reports that lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075).
As demonstrators attempted to march toward the heavily guarded Parliament compound, police blocked their path and fired multiple rounds of tear gas. Protesters hurled stones, bottles, and set small fires under a nearby flyover in retaliation. Authorities said more than 1,200 security personnel were deployed to secure the building, while several major roads, including tollways, were shut down, causing crippling traffic congestion in the capital.
The unrest reflects widespread public frustration over the disparity between lawmakers’ perks and the economic hardship faced by millions of Indonesians. The housing allowance, which lawmakers have been receiving since September 2024, amounts to roughly 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer regions of the country. Activists argue the payments are a stark example of government excess in a nation where corruption is seen as deeply entrenched.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowances, saying they were calculated based on the cost of living in Jakarta. However, this explanation has done little to ease public anger, with students demanding the complete abolition of what they call “lavish privileges” for elected officials.
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While no injuries were immediately reported from Monday’s clashes, tensions remain high, and further demonstrations are expected. Analysts warn the protests could grow into a larger movement challenging government accountability if authorities fail to address concerns about inequality and corruption.
