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Legislators

Indonesian Students Clash with Police Over Parliament Members' Lavish Allowances

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands of stone-throwing students in Indonesia's capital attempted to reach Parliament to protest the lavish housing allowances of parliament members, with police firing tear gas in response. The demonstrators are enraged by reports that 580 members have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month since September 2024, viewing the allowances as unjust due to economic hardship faced by most citizens. Police clashed with protesters, who fought back with rocks, bottles, and fires under a flyover near the heavily guarded Parliament compound.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protest was sparked by recent reports that 580 members of the House of Representatives have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month since September 2024.
  • The housing benefit alone amounts to about 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poor areas.
  • The demonstrators are demanding the abolition of what they view as lavish allowances, which come on top of lawmakers' salaries.
  • House Speaker Puan Maharani stated that the amount had been thoroughly considered and adjusted to current prices in Jakarta.
  • The protest led to clashes between riot police and protesters, with police firing tear gas and protesters retaliation with rocks and bottles.
  • More than 1,200 security personnel were deployed to secure the Parliament compound.
  • Authorities blocked streets leading to the Parliament building, including several toll roads, causing severe traffic jams in the city.

Statistics:

  • 580 members of the House of Representatives have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month since September 2024.
  • The housing benefit alone amounts to about 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poor areas.
  • More than 1,200 security personnel were deployed to secure the Parliament compound.
  • 50 million rupiah is equivalent to $3,075.

Sources:

  • "Riot police shoot gas at Indonesian students protesting lawmakers' allowances" by Niniek Karmini and Achmad Ibrahim (No publication date mentioned)

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