Indonesia’s street protests over lawmakers’ allowances reveal a deeper frustration: Almost three decades after the fall of the Suharto dictatorship, political and economic power remain in the hands of the elite. The demonstrations may have died down for the moment — but the fury is unlikely to fade.
Jakarta appeared calmer on Monday, a stark contrast from the mayhem over the last few days. The immediate catalyst for the violence was the death of 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was run over and killed by an armored police car during demonstrations in the capital.
Public anger at lawmakers’ greed has been growing. A decision to increase their housing allowance to around $3,000 per month — nearly 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage — came at a time when ordinary citizens are struggling with the ever-rising cost of living and threats of mass layoffs. Nationwide protests left at least four people dead and hundreds injured. It’s the most serious test yet for President Prabowo Subianto, who was inaugurated about 10 months ago.
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