By: Sophia Pacheco
Photo courtesy: Willy Kurniawan / Reuters
Thousands of Indonesians took to the streets across major cities, protesting against lawmakers’ housing perks and economic inequality, after at least seven people were killed. More than 1,200 arrested and hundreds injured in a week of unrest that began last Aug. 25, and has spread to 32 of the country’s provinces.
The rallies began when lawmakers authorized a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah, (around 171,000 to 180,000 in peso) for each of the 580 House of Representatives members.
The benefit, which was implemented last year, pays nearly 10 times Jakarta's minimum wage, which is Rp 5,396,761 (Indonesian Rupiah) per month (approximately 18,093 in peso).
Critics argue that the allowance is excessive and inconsiderate, particularly given that many Indonesians are dealing with growing living costs, high taxes, and rising unemployment.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued an order on Aug. 31, for security forces to take firm measures against the protesters.
"There are signs of unlawful acts, even leading to treason and terrorism," he said.
"To the police and the military, I have ordered them to take action as firm as possible against the destruction of public facilities, looting at homes of individuals and economic centres, according to the laws," he added.
Subianto also prohibited lawmakers from traveling abroad and reduced housing benefits for politicians. However, protesters call for more significant changes, such as economic assistance and demilitarization.
Additionally, Subianto said that ‘rioters, not protesters,’ were responsible for the violence and charged the groups of attempting to damage the country.
"Their intention is not to voice aspirations but to cause chaos, disrupt people's lives and sabotage national development," he said.
According to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, 1,240 individuals were arrested following five days of rallies in Jakarta.
The unrest cost an estimated 55 billion rupiah (around 171,000 to 180,000 in peso) in damage, with buses, subway stations, and other infrastructure set on fire.
Foreign embassies and consulates, including those from Canada, the United States, Australia, France, and numerous Southeast Asian nations, issued travel warnings, recommending residents to avoid protest locations and large public gatherings.
Indonesia’s economic pressure fuels protests' ange
Earlier this year, thousands rallied against Subianto’s sweeping budget cuts, which he claimed were needed to ‘fund populist programs' including a billion-dollar free meal plan for schoolchildren and pregnant mothers.
Despite these efforts, many Indonesians claim to feel left behind. Economists cite rising taxes, decreased purchasing power, and fewer job possibilities.
"There are also problems with unfair taxes, people's declining purchasing power and the lack of job opportunities," Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, told AFP.
Adhinegara also said that years of economic hardship and lawmakers' lack of empathy are to blame for the public's anger.
"The problems piled up like dried hay, and the parliament lit the fire…this is just the tip of the iceberg." he added.