Protesters break into private residences of Indonesian MPs Uya Kuya and Eko Patrio in Jakarta, exploiting public demonstrations against their alleged excessive compensation.
Unrest Over Parliamentary Pay and Benefits Spreads Across Indonesia
Protests against the perceived extravagant pay and benefits of Indonesian lawmakers have escalated, with violent clashes between demonstrators and riot police in several cities. The unrest, which began on August 25, has now spread beyond Jakarta to cities such as Cirebon, Brebes, Solo, Kediri, Malang, and Makassar.
The latest developments come after videos surfaced online showing members of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Uya Kuya and Eko Patrio, dancing during parliament's annual session earlier this month. Both lawmakers faced criticism for their behaviour, and in separate Instagram videos, they issued public apologies and pledged to act responsibly as representatives.
Despite their apologies, the homes of Uya Kuya and Eko Patrio were targeted by looters. Hundreds of people forced their way into Uya Kuya's residence in East Jakarta's Duren Sawit district, destroying the gate, breaking down doors, vandalizing, and looting the property. Looters took electronic goods, clothing, a refrigerator, and a gas cylinder from Eko Patrio's home in South Jakarta's Mega Kuningan area.
Security forces arrived too late to stop the ransacking of Eko Patrio's home, and by the time they arrived, most of the looters had already fled. The attacks on the lawmakers' residences did not seem to be deterred by their apologies.
The death of 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, who was fatally struck by a police armoured vehicle on Thursday, has added fuel to the fire of the protests. Protests have now culminated in violent clashes with riot police, with demonstrators calling for reforms in the parliamentary system and a decrease in the salaries and benefits of lawmakers.
The Indonesian government has yet to make a statement on the escalating unrest, but it is clear that the protests are a reflection of the growing frustration and anger among the Indonesian people towards their representatives. As the unrest continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will take action to address the concerns of the protesters and bring an end to the violence.
