Police in Jakarta blocked access roads and tollways to Parliament, creating massive traffic jams across the city.
Thousands of students marched on Monday to protest lawmakers’ monthly housing benefits of 50 million rupiah (€2,637).
Riot police fired tear gas as protesters attempted to reach the heavily guarded Parliament compound.
Protesters hurled rocks and bottles in retaliation and set fires beneath a nearby flyover.
Authorities deployed more than 1,200 security personnel to protect Parliament.
Anger Over Lawmakers’ Allowances
Reports revealed 580 lawmakers have received the housing benefit since September 2024.
Protesters denounced the allowance as unfair, given widespread economic struggles across Indonesia.
The benefit equals nearly 20 times the minimum wage in poorer regions.
Demonstrators demanded the government abolish the payments, which supplement lawmakers’ already high salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowance, saying it reflects Jakarta’s rising costs of living.
Corruption Concerns Fuel Discontent
Activists claim corruption remains entrenched across Indonesia’s institutions.
They accuse police and lawmakers of widespread abuse of power.
Many citizens see the housing allowance scandal as another example of systemic corruption.
Indonesia’s population of over 280 million continues to face sharp economic divides.
Authorities confirmed no immediate reports of injuries from Monday’s unrest.
