Jakarta prepares for more protests over parliamentary housing benefits

Jakarta is bracing for more protests later this week after thousands turned out to protest what they saw as excessive parliamentary benefits.

Major hubs

On Aug. 27, the Jakarta Globe reported that the president of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions said that 10,000 workers from the Greater Jakarta and West Java Region would march to the Indonesian capital on Aug. 28.

Organisers have promised they will be joined by protesters in major Indonesian industrial hubs, including Bandung, Pontianak, and Batam.

The action comes on the heels of protests that broke out on Aug. 26, where thousands of protestors gathered around Indonesia’s parliament.

Housing perks

There is a range of issues that have sparked this round of protests, but by far the most commonly cited were changes made to parliamentary pay and benefits.

The Guardian reports that there had been widespread public outrage over a Rp 50 million (S$3,927) housing allowance that had been introduced in September 2024, said to be 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage.

The monthly income of Indonesian parliamentarians was said to have “surged” to Rp 120 million (S$9,425) due to the numerous and generous perks, including over honoraria, communication, utilities, taxes, family, and rice allowances.

This was in the face of economic difficulties faced by many in Indonesia, with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto accused of implementing strict austerity measures, including education, health, and public works cuts.

Molotov cocktails and water cannons

The Jakarta Post reported that about 370 people had been detained, although police said that they had arrested 15 people.

Videos of the protest had shown lines of riot police confronting hundreds of protesters, many of whom were armed with fireworks and Molotov cocktails.

Reuters reported that Indonesian police attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas and a water cannon.

Many protestors were flying the red and white Indonesian flag, but there were a number of Jolly Rogers from the anime One Piece present in the protest.

The flag has taken on special meaning to Indonesians unsatisfied with their government, and has been seen flying all across Indonesia, especially during the Independence Day celebrations.

Top image via AFP