Riot police fired tear gas at thousands of students protesting near Indonesia’s Parliament on Monday.
Protesters demanded an end to the lavish housing allowances of 580 House of Representatives members.
Authorities blocked streets and toll roads, creating severe traffic jams across Jakarta.
Demonstrators threw rocks and bottles at officers and set fires under a flyover near Parliament.
Police deployed more than 1,200 security personnel to guard the heavily fortified compound.
Public Outrage Over Housing Benefits
Reports revealed lawmakers have received 50 million rupiah (€2,637) per month since September 2024.
Students criticized the allowances as unfair while most citizens endure economic hardship.
The housing benefit alone equals 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer regions.
Protesters called for the immediate abolition of these allowances, which add to regular salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the sum, stating authorities calculated it based on Jakarta’s current prices.
Corruption Concerns Intensify Protests
Activists argue corruption remains widespread in Indonesia’s political system.
They accuse both members of Parliament and police of extensive misconduct in a country of over 280 million people.
Public anger continues to grow as citizens face inequality while officials receive inflated perks.
Monday’s unrest caused no immediate injuries, but tensions remain high around Parliament.
Protesters vowed to persist until lawmakers address the controversial housing allowances.
