Indonesian president revokes lawmakers' perks amid protests and public outrage

Monday 01 September 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Indonesian president revokes lawmakers' perks amid protests and public outrage

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has announced the revocation of certain parliamentary perks, including a controversial $3,000 monthly housing allowance, following a wave of protests that resulted in six fatalities.

Lawmakers lose benefits in rare government concession

In a televised address from Jakarta on Sunday, Subianto, flanked by leaders of eight political parties, confirmed the immediate suspension of overseas trips and the elimination of housing allowances for the country’s 580 lawmakers. The decision was described as a direct response to growing public anger across the nation, marking an unusual concession from Indonesia's government.

“By Monday, lawmakers will see certain allowances scrapped and overseas work trips suspended under a new moratorium,” Subianto said, signaling a shift aimed at addressing public grievances in the world's third-largest democracy.

Protests erupt over excessive benefits

The protests began on Monday in Jakarta and quickly spread nationwide. Public outrage was fueled by reports that lawmakers received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075), nearly ten times the Jakarta minimum wage, along with their salaries. Critics accused the government of being tone deaf to the economic struggles of ordinary Indonesians facing rising costs of living, soaring taxes, and unemployment.

Tensions escalated following the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan during a rally in Jakarta on Thursday. Witnesses claimed Kurniawan was struck and run over by an armored police vehicle during a clash between demonstrators and security forces. His death, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked further outrage and intensified protests.

The death toll from the unrest rose to six by Sunday, including a university student killed in Yogyakarta during clashes between protesters and riot police.

Government response and calls for calm

Subianto, who canceled a planned trip to China over the weekend, held meetings with prominent political and religious leaders, including former President Megawati Sukarnoputri. He reiterated his government’s respect for freedom of expression but warned against violent demonstrations.

“When demonstrations turn anarchic, destroying public facilities, endangering lives, and attacking private homes or public institutions, this becomes a serious violation of law,” Subianto stated, cautioning that such acts could be considered treason or terrorism.

The president assured citizens that their voices would be heard and urged them to express dissent peacefully. “I sincerely ask all citizens to trust the government and remain calm. We are determined to always fight for the interests of the people and the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, police are investigating seven officers linked to Kurniawan’s death, as the government seeks to manage public dissatisfaction amid calls for accountability and justice.