Indonesia to revoke lawmaker perks that triggered protests

THE Indonesian parliament will revoke hefty allowances and place a moratorium on overseas visits by lawmakers, which were flashpoints in the week of protests that have rocked the South-east Asian nation.

Political parties are also taking firm action against their erring members, including revoking their membership in parliament, effective Sep 1, President Prabowo Subianto said in a televised address on Sunday (Aug 31).

Political leaders have conveyed that “members of parliament must always be sensitive and side with the interests of the people”, Prabowo said after a meeting with party leaders in Jakarta.

The president was making his second public address as demonstrations spread throughout Indonesia this week. Protests were sparked by outrage over lawmakers’ housing allowances – nearly 10 times the monthly minimum wage – as well as local tax hikes and mass layoffs. The death of a motorcycle taxi driver during a rally further inflamed tensions.

Statements of several politicians justifying their allowances and ridiculing protesters have further intensified public anger.

Prabowo said he has asked the House of Representatives’ leaders to immediately invite community and student leaders to engage in direct dialogue. He also ordered his Cabinet to accept input and corrections directly.

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“To all people, please express your genuine aspirations peacefully,” Prabowo said. “We will ensure that they are heard, recorded and will be acted upon.”