Thousands of Indonesians took to the streets of central Jakarta yesterday, clashing with police in a dramatic outpouring of frustration over proposed salary hikes and benefits for lawmakers. The protests, centered outside the House of Representatives building, reflect deeper discontent with the nation’s economic trajectory and widening inequality under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. As tear gas and water cannons were deployed to disperse the crowds, the demonstrations escalated into violence, spreading to nearby shopping districts and exposing a raw nerve in Indonesian society.
Clashes and Crackdowns in the Capital
The protests began as a unified stand against a proposed housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (~US$3,057) per month for lawmakers, an amount nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage for this year. This allowance is part of a broader salary increase that could see elected officials earning over 100 million rupiah (~US$6,114) monthly, while the average national income languishes at just 3.1 million rupiah. Predominantly composed of students, labor activists, and political groups, the demonstrators faced a heavy police response, with authorities using tear gas and high-pressure water cannons to protect the parliamentary complex.
By late afternoon, the unrest had spilled over into adjacent commercial areas. Reports described chaotic scenes as protesters, armed with sharpened bamboo sticks and rocks, confronted security forces. This latest clash follows a similar incident on Monday, when a smaller group of demonstrators was met with comparable force, resulting in the detention of 312 individuals, including 205 minors. The repeated use of aggressive tactics by police has only fueled public anger, with many questioning the state’s approach to dissent. 
A Tragic Loss Amplifies Outrage
The protests took a tragic turn last Thursday when 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver, was killed after being struck by a police tactical vehicle during a rally at the parliamentary complex. Widely circulated videos captured the vehicle moving toward protesters, intensifying public outrage. Another demonstrator was injured during the crowd dispersal, further highlighting concerns over the use of force by security personnel.
Indonesian House Speaker Puan Maharani responded to the incident, urging the National Police to enforce the law transparently and investigate the driver’s death thoroughly. “Do not use excessive force, let alone injure people” she stated in a public address. Maharani also called for the protection and treatment of injured protesters, emphasizing the House of Representatives’ commitment to addressing public concerns. “The DPR listens and understands people’s aspirations. Everything will be followed up in accordance with a clear mechanism” she added, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased driver.
Demands Beyond Pay Rises
While the immediate trigger for the protests was the proposed increase in parliamentary perks, the demonstrations have unearthed a broader spectrum of grievances. Protesters articulated six key demands, including an end to outsourcing and low wages, a halt to mass layoffs with the establishment of a special task force to manage job cuts, and labor tax reforms such as raising the non-taxable income threshold and eliminating taxes on severance pay, holiday bonuses, and retirement savings. One protester’s call for the dissolution of parliament underscored the depth of frustration, with chants of defiance echoing through Jakarta’s streets.
These demands reflect a growing unease with economic conditions under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. Rising costs of basic foodstuffs and education, coupled with mass layoffs—particularly in the textile industry—have left many Indonesians feeling vulnerable. Local government property tax hikes, a response to central budget cuts in Prabowo’s recent fiscal proposal, have further strained household budgets. The budget shift places greater responsibility on regional authorities to generate revenue, exacerbating tensions between citizens and the state.
A Widening Class Divide
The protests have also spotlighted a stark class divide between Indonesia’s political elite and its working population. Social media platforms have amplified these sentiments, with users voicing anger over the perceived disconnect. The economic insecurity felt by many, compounded by labor informality and recent layoffs, has made the lavish benefits for lawmakers a lightning rod for criticism. Eve Warburton, a research fellow at the Australian National University, noted on social media that the demonstrations reflect “the class gap between voters and politicians” a divide that becomes particularly pronounced during times of economic hardship.
Public discourse on platforms like X has been equally scathing, posting in English about the struggle of ordinary citizens in a nation where lawmakers award themselves salaries far beyond the reach of most workers. In one post, a X user criticized what he described as “reckless, cruel policies” under Prabowo’s administration, pointing to authoritarian measures aimed at silencing critics and shrinking democratic space, alongside “endless elitist perks for officials.” While these sentiments resonate with many, they also underscore the challenge of balancing public dissent with governance in a polarized political climate.
Economic Policies Under Scrutiny
President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office with promises of economic reform, now faces mounting scrutiny over policies perceived as favoring the elite. The proposed budget cuts to regional funding have forced local governments to impose higher taxes, a move that has disproportionately affected lower-income households already grappling with inflation. Meanwhile, the textile sector, a significant employer, has seen widespread job losses, further eroding trust in the administration’s ability to safeguard livelihoods.
Analysts suggest that the protests are not merely a reaction to parliamentary pay rises but a manifestation of long-simmering frustrations over inequality. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has seen significant growth in recent decades, yet the benefits have often been unevenly distributed. The stark contrast between the proposed lawmaker salaries and the national average income highlights this disparity, fueling perceptions of an out-of-touch political class. As economic pressures mount, the government’s response to these protests could shape public confidence in its leadership for years to come.
Historical Context of Public Dissent
Indonesia has a storied history of public protest, dating back to the student-led movements that contributed to the fall of President Suharto in 1998 during the Reformasi era. These demonstrations often emerge at the intersection of economic hardship and political discontent, as seen in the 2019 protests against proposed criminal code changes and labor law reforms. The current unrest echoes these earlier movements, with young people and workers once again at the forefront, demanding accountability and fairness from their leaders.
Unlike past protests, however, the current wave unfolds in a digital age where social media amplifies voices and mobilizes crowds with unprecedented speed. Platforms like X have become virtual town squares, where grievances are aired and solidarity is forged. Yet, this digital dimension also complicates the government’s response, as online narratives can quickly escalate tensions or spread misinformation if not addressed with transparency.
The Road Ahead
As Jakarta recovers from the latest clashes, questions linger over how the government will address the protesters’ demands and rebuild trust. House Speaker Puan Maharani’s call for dialogue and restraint signals an awareness of the public’s frustration, but concrete policy changes remain elusive. The death of Affan Kurniawan and the injuries sustained by others during the protests have added a somber urgency to the need for reform in how security forces engage with demonstrators.
For President Prabowo Subianto, the protests represent a critical test of his administration’s ability to balance economic policy with social equity. With inequality widening and economic insecurity deepening, the government’s next steps—whether through concessions on lawmaker benefits or broader labor reforms—will likely determine the trajectory of public sentiment. As the streets of Jakarta bear witness to this struggle, the nation watches to see if dialogue can prevail over discord.
