Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) – Indonesia’s President Prabowo subianto On Sunday, he pledged to revoke the perks and privileges of lawmakers. This includes a controversial $3,000 housing allowance of $3,000, to ease public outrage after six people died in nationwide protests.
Alongside the leaders of eight Indonesian political parties, Subianto told a broadcast press conference in the capital, Jakartathey had agreed to cut housing allowances and suspend travel abroad for members of Congress. It was a rare concession in response to the rise in public anger.
By Monday, “Deputies will see certain allowances being scrapped and work trips abroad being suspended under a new suspension,” Subianto said.
As National protest Last week, on a weekend that escalated beyond the world’s third largest democracy, Subiant summoned the country’s famous figures and canceled a famous trip. China. He met 16 religious figures and eight political leaders. This included the struggle between former President Megawati Soekarnopulti and the Indonesian Democrats, the only official opposition party in the country.
Five Days of Protest It began in Jakarta on Monday and sparked reports that all 580 MPs will receive housing allowances of Rs 50 million ($3,075) per month in addition to their salaries. The allowances introduced last year are almost 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
Critics argue that the new allowances are not only overloaded, but are also insensitive to a period when most people are working to raise the cost of living, taxes and rising unemployment rates.
The protest became more widely violent after the death of 21-year-old driver Awan Kruniawang. A social media video showing his death during a rally in Jakarta on Thursday shocked the country and urged protests against security forces.
Kurniawan reportedly completed the food delivery order when he was caught up in the collision. Witnesses told local television that an armored vehicle from the National Police Mobile Brigade squad suddenly plunged through the crowds of protesters and attacked Kruniawan. Instead of stopping, the car ran over him.
Subianto said police are investigating seven officers related to the incident.
The death toll from riots that broke out in multiple cities rose after Jogya Karta officials confirmed on Sunday that Friday’s clash with riot police killed a 21-year-old college student.
Subianto reiterated that his government respects freedom of expression as guaranteed by Indonesia’s constitution and international treaties.
“But if demonstrations turn disorderly, destroy public facilities, risk lives, and attack private homes and public agencies, this is a serious violation of the law,” he said.
Subianto warned that violence could turn into treason and terrorism, and that “the state would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country.”
The former general also called on the public to express their desires in a peaceful and constructive way, and promised that their voices would be heard.
“I sincerely ask all citizens to trust and remain calm,” Subiant added that his government is “determined to fight constantly for the interests of the people and the nation.”
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Associated Press journalists Andi Jatmiko and Achmad Ibrahim of Jakarta contributed to this report.
