Protesters carried banners and waved brooms at the event organized by the Indonesian Women's Federation in front of the parliament building in Jakarta on 3/9. They said the brooms symbolized a demand to "sweep away government corruption and security force repression".
"We want to show that most of the protests have been peaceful. The government's statement that the protests are treasonous needs to be examined," said 30-year-old protester Rizky Ananda.
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Indonesian women wave brooms during a protest outside the parliament building in Jakarta on 3/9. Photo: Reuters |
Indonesian women wave brooms during a protest outside the parliament building in Jakarta on 3/9. Photo: Reuters
On 25/8, people across Indonesia took to the streets to protest after media reports revealed that 580 lawmakers have been receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (3,041 USD) since last year, in addition to their salaries. This is 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
Critics say the allowance is excessive at a time when most people are struggling with high taxes and living costs, as well as rising unemployment.
Protests escalated into riots on 29/8, after a 21-year-old ride-hailing motorbike driver was run over by a police armored vehicle during clashes between security forces and protesters near the parliament building. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowds.
At least 10 people were killed and more than 700 injured in the protests. Many homes, including those of government officials and members of parliament, were looted during the chaos. About 1,200 people were arrested after a week of unrest.
The widespread unrest, affecting 32 of the country's 38 provinces, prompted President Prabowo Subianto to revoke some lawmaker perks, including the housing allowance.
An Indonesian national police spokesman said one of the seven officers in the vehicle that killed the driver had been fired after an ethics hearing. It's unclear what action will be taken against the other six officers.
The University of Indonesia's student union has called for an independent investigation into police violence and a comparison of lawmaker benefits with the economic hardships faced by others.
Huyen Le (Reuters, Straits Times)
