Riot police fired tear gas at thousands of students marching toward Parliament in Jakarta on Monday.
Protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers and set fires under a flyover near the compound.
Authorities blocked access roads, including several toll routes, creating severe gridlock throughout the city.
More than 1,200 security personnel secured the Parliament area as tensions escalated.
Officials reported no injuries from the unrest.
Demonstrators Condemn Lawmakers’ Benefits
Students protested after revelations that 580 lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (€2,637).
They called the allowance unjust, especially during economic hardship faced by many citizens.
Protesters demanded the government abolish lawmakers’ extra benefits, which they view as excessive.
The housing allowance alone equals 20 times the minimum wage in some poorer regions.
Activists argue the payments highlight a widening gap between politicians and struggling Indonesians.
Officials Defend Allowance Amid Corruption Concerns
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the payments, saying they were adjusted to Jakarta’s current living costs.
She claimed Parliament had thoroughly reviewed the allowance before approval.
Critics argue the explanation ignores broader economic struggles and deep public resentment.
Activists highlight corruption as a systemic issue, pointing to widespread distrust of police and lawmakers.
In a country of over 280 million people, citizens increasingly link such privileges to endemic corruption.
