Protests Bring Indonesia to Its Knees

Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Indonesia, angry that politicians and the rich are living in luxury while ordinary people struggle to survive.

The protests started after it was revealed that members of parliament were receiving housing allowances of 50 million rupiah a month—almost ten times the minimum wage. Many Indonesians saw this as proof that the political elite are getting richer while workers face rising prices, job insecurity, and fewer public services.

Crowds marched through Jakarta and other cities, clashing with police. Vehicles were set on fire, buildings attacked, and roads blocked. Riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to try and break up the demonstrations. At least several people have died and many more have been injured in the unrest.

One of the flashpoints came when a motorcycle taxi driver was killed after being struck by a police vehicle during the protests, sparking even more anger.

The government has since announced it will cancel the allowances and suspend overseas trips for MPs, but protesters say this is not enough. They are demanding deeper reforms, fairer wages, and an end to corruption and waste.

For many, the protests are about more than just money. They are about fairness. As one student protester put it, Indonesians are tired of “the rich getting richer while the poor are left behind.”