As prices rise and protests simmer, Indonesia’s lawmakers get a raise — again

JAKARTA, INDONESIA: Just weeks after violent protests over government perks left a scar on Indonesia’s streets, lawmakers have quietly secured a massive boost in their recess allowance — nearly doubling the funds they receive when Parliament is not in session.

Under a new policy that took effect on Oct 3, members of Indonesia’s House of Representatives are now pocketing Rp 700 million (about S$42,200) for each recess period, up from Rp 400 million. With five such breaks a year, that adds up to Rp 3.5 billion annually for each of the 580 lawmakers — roughly S$211,000, just in allowances.

For many Indonesians, the timing couldn’t feel more insulting.

Just last month, the country was rocked by its deadliest unrest in decades. Sparked by revelations of lavish spending in Parliament, protests exploded into riots across 32 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces. The trigger? A police officer fatally shot a motorcycle taxi driver during a heated protest. Ten people died, and more than 5,000 were arrested.

In the aftermath, the government made a show of slashing some perks. Lawmakers’ monthly housing allowances, for example, were cut from Rp 100 million to Rp 65.5 million. It looked like a step toward accountability — until now.

“It’s like Indonesians have been pranked,” said Lucius Karus, a researcher at the parliamentary watchdog group Formappi. “We were satisfied when the housing allowance was cut, but now another fantastic allowance has appeared.”

Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed the new allowance on Monday and was quick to defend it. According to him, it’s not a pay rise, but an adjustment for rising food and travel costs, approved months ago by the finance ministry.

“This is not a raise,” Dasco insisted. “It’s a policy that considers various economic factors.”

He added that lawmakers will soon be required to digitally report how they use the funds, promising greater transparency.

Yet, in a nation where millions struggle to access basic healthcare, education, or day-to-day food, those statements sound empty. Indonesia, notwithstanding its G20 position and flourishing economy, is still profoundly lacking in equal opportunities for a decent life. The World Bank estimates that tens of millions of Indonesians still live in poverty.

To them, the math doesn’t add up: How can elected officials justify receiving hundreds of millions of rupiah per recess, while ordinary citizens are told to tighten their belts?

The protests in August sent a clear message — Indonesians are watching, and they’re angry, but with the recent movement, many people are left questioning whether their leaders really heard them.