Thousands of students marched toward Indonesia’s Parliament in Jakarta to protest lawmakers’ lavish housing allowances.
Riot police fired tear gas to stop protesters from reaching the building.
Protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers and set fires under a nearby flyover.
Authorities blocked streets and toll roads, creating major traffic congestion across the city.
Security forces deployed more than 1,200 personnel to protect the Parliament compound.
Public Outrage Over Excessive Benefits
Reports revealed 580 House members receive 50 million rupiah (€2,637) per month since September 2024.
Protesters called the allowances unfair while most citizens endure economic hardship.
The housing benefit equals 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer regions.
Demonstrators demand Parliament abolish these allowances, which add to lawmakers’ regular salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the payments, stating officials calculated the amount based on Jakarta’s living costs.
Corruption Concerns Drive Tensions
Activists say corruption remains widespread among Indonesian police and lawmakers.
Protesters view government officials as benefiting from privileges while ordinary citizens struggle.
Indonesia’s population exceeds 280 million, intensifying public frustration with perceived systemic corruption.
Monday’s unrest caused no immediate reports of injuries, but anger remains high near Parliament.
Protesters vow to continue pressing for accountability and fair treatment of citizens.
