Mass anti-government protests that swept across Indonesia in late August ended with the cancellation of a housing allowance for members of parliament. The demonstrations were triggered by a monthly payment of 50 million rupiah for each of the country’s 580 lawmakers, or about $3,000 on top of salary, a sum far above the income of many ordinary citizens.
According to the authorities, six people were killed during the unrest, and the number of detainees nationwide reached 3,195. Protests took place in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Medan and other cities. Most participants were students and trade union members who demanded not only the repeal of the allowance, but also higher wages, lower taxes and stronger anti-corruption measures.
Police used tear gas and water cannons. In Jakarta alone, 1,240 people were detained between August 25 and August 29. Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri said officers had identified people suspected of vandalism and looting and were preparing further arrests.
A new wave of anger followed the death of 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan on August 28. Witnesses said he was struck and run over by an armored police vehicle after ending up near a protest while delivering food. President Prabowo Subianto promised an investigation and support for the victim’s family.
“I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers. Those responsible must be held accountable,” Subianto said.
On August 31, the president said that after talks with the leaders of eight political parties, the authorities had agreed to scrap the housing allowance and suspend overseas trips for lawmakers. At the same time, he ordered “decisive measures” against arson and looting and warned that violent acts could be treated as treason or terrorism.
Amnesty International Indonesia criticized that language, saying the authorities were ignoring the real causes of public anger. As of September 1, checkpoints had been set up across Jakarta, while protest organizers announced a pause in demonstrations out of fear of further repression.