Authorities blocked access roads to Parliament, including toll routes, triggering massive traffic congestion across Jakarta.
Thousands of students marched toward Parliament on Monday, protesting lawmakers’ excessive housing allowances.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the advancing demonstrators.
Protesters retaliated by throwing bottles and rocks at officers and setting fires beneath a flyover near Parliament.
Officials deployed over 1,200 security personnel to guard the heavily protected compound.
No injuries were immediately reported from the violent clashes.
Anger Over Lawmakers’ Housing Benefits
Protesters condemned the 50 million rupiah (€2,637) monthly housing allowance for each of Indonesia’s 580 lawmakers.
They argued the allowances are unfair when millions of citizens face daily economic struggles.
The housing benefit alone amounts to nearly 20 times the monthly minimum wage in poorer regions.
Students demanded an immediate end to what they see as extravagant payments on top of regular salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the benefits, claiming they were carefully reviewed and aligned with Jakarta’s current living costs.
Corruption Concerns Fuel Discontent
Activists say Indonesians widely view Parliament and police as deeply corrupt institutions.
Public frustration reflects longstanding anger over perceived misuse of state funds and weak accountability.
Indonesia, home to more than 280 million people, continues to face accusations of entrenched corruption.
The latest protests highlight the growing distrust between citizens and government officials.
