Thousands rally in Jakarta as anger mounts over lawmakers’ salary increases

Thousands rally in Jakarta as anger mounts over lawmakers’ salary increases

"Thousands of workers rallied in Jakarta on Thursday, demanding the dissolution of Parliament in response to recent increases in lawmakers’ salaries and housing allowances. Footage shows demonstrators gathering outside the house of representatives, chanting slogans, dancing to music, holding banners reading, "Cut the salaries of DPR members and officials by 20%-30%" and "Eradicate pest corruption." "Hope in the future is that actions like this can improve the welfare of the workers, and the demands of the workers can be realised by the government,” Wardono, a protester said. Police deployed over 4,500 personnel and erected heavy barricades to secure the complex since Thursday. The protest follows violent clashes last week when protesters attempted to break into the parliament building. According to media outlet reports, 580 House of Representatives members have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month since last September. Last week, President Prabowo Subianto announced the government would be implementing tougher austerity measures as he unveiled plans to cut regional funding by 25 percent to prioritise funding for national programs. The move has triggered widespread protests across the country."

Thousands rally in Jakarta as anger mounts over lawmakers’ salary increases

Thousands rally in Jakarta as anger mounts over lawmakers’ salary increases

"Thousands of workers rallied in Jakarta on Thursday, demanding the dissolution of Parliament in response to recent increases in lawmakers’ salaries and housing allowances. Footage shows demonstrators gathering outside the house of representatives, chanting slogans, dancing to music, holding banners reading, "Cut the salaries of DPR members and officials by 20%-30%" and "Eradicate pest corruption." "Hope in the future is that actions like this can improve the welfare of the workers, and the demands of the workers can be realised by the government,” Wardono, a protester said. Police deployed over 4,500 personnel and erected heavy barricades to secure the complex since Thursday. The protest follows violent clashes last week when protesters attempted to break into the parliament building. According to media outlet reports, 580 House of Representatives members have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month since last September. Last week, President Prabowo Subianto announced the government would be implementing tougher austerity measures as he unveiled plans to cut regional funding by 25 percent to prioritise funding for national programs. The move has triggered widespread protests across the country."