Indonesia - August 2025
Protests over parliamentary members’ stipends turn violent
At least ten people have been killed and thousands arrested in nationwide protests that began in Jakarta on 25 August. The protests were initially a response to plans to increase parliamentary living stipends by IDR 100 million (USD 6,150), thirty times greater than the median wage, and became violent after a police vehicle struck and killed a motorcyclist. Protests then spread to other cities around the country and public grievances expanded to include more general economic issues and dissatisfaction with a political class seen as self-dealing. The homes of MPs and government offices were ransacked or set on fire, and police responded to protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets. President Prabowo announced on 31 August the revocation of the increased living stipend and promised the military and police would restore public order.
Sources: The Diplomat (1), The Diplomat (2), Jakarta Post (1), Jakarta Post (2), Jakarta Post (3)