Cumbrings with the police: Indonesia: Mass protests against luxury allowances for politicians

In Indonesia, mass protests are increasing against the government. Tens of thousands of people have been on the streets in the capital of Jakarta and other parts of the country to demonstrate against the introduction of high allowances for MPs – while tax measures and inflation are difficult for many citizens.

Most recently, there were severe clashes with the emergency services, who then arrested hundreds of demonstrators, as Indonesian media reported. The police also used tear gas and water cannons against the crowd. Students in particular take part in the protests.

Which allowances are it about?

The anger is primarily directed against an additional monthly apartment allowance of 50 million Indonesian rupees (around 2,600 euros) for MPs – a sum that exceeds the monthly wage of a number of Indonesians many times over, as critics complain.

The announcement came at a time when many people in the Southeast Asian island state suffer from increasing living costs and mass layoffs. In addition, the anger was heated by videos of politicians who showed their luxurious lifestyle on social media.

Police car kills motorcycle tax drivers

The protests escalated on Thursday evening (local time) after the driver of a motorcycle taxis in Jakarta was overwhelmed and killed by a armored police vehicle – which triggered nationwide outrage. The 21-year-old had been run over the parliament building when the vehicle made a way through the crowd.

The police apologized for the incident. “We cannot change what happened. But we take responsibility for it,” said a police spokesman. He added that the driver of the armored vehicle was investigated.