Thousands of students marched toward Indonesia’s Parliament in Jakarta to protest lawmakers’ lavish benefits.
Riot police fired tear gas as protesters tried to approach the compound.
Protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers and set fires under a nearby flyover.
Authorities blocked streets and toll roads, creating severe traffic jams across the city.
Security forces deployed over 1,200 personnel to guard the heavily protected Parliament building.
Outrage Over Housing Benefits
Reports revealed 580 House members receive 50 million rupiah (€2,637) per month in housing allowances.
Protesters condemned the benefits as unfair while many citizens face severe economic hardship.
The housing allowance alone equals roughly 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer areas.
Demonstrators demand Parliament abolish these allowances on top of lawmakers’ salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the payments, saying authorities considered current Jakarta prices carefully.
Corruption Concerns Drive Public Anger
Activists claim corruption remains widespread in Indonesia’s political and law enforcement institutions.
They accuse police and lawmakers of exploiting their positions for personal gain in a nation of 280 million.
Protesters argue inequality persists while public funds benefit officials disproportionately.
Monday’s unrest caused no immediate reports of injuries, but tensions around Parliament remain high.
Demonstrators vow to continue pushing for accountability and reform regarding lawmakers’ controversial perks.
