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Jakarta Erupts in Protests Over Lawmaker Salaries and Corruption
JAKARTA, Indonesia – August 26, 2025 – Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Jakarta today, clashing with police near the House of Representatives complex in a demonstration fueled by public anger over perceived excessive lawmaker compensation and widespread corruption. The protests highlight growing discontent with the Indonesian government amid a period of sluggish economic growth.
Clashes and Symbolic Demonstrations
The demonstration began peacefully, with hundreds marching towards the legislative building. However, tensions escalated as protesters attempted to breach police barricades, leading to the deployment of tear gas and water cannons. Reports indicate a volatile atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with protesters throwing rocks and fireworks despite ongoing efforts by authorities to disperse the crowd.
Notably, the One Piece anime flag was prominently displayed throughout the protests. The flag has recently emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance against injustice in Indonesia, demonstrating a unique blend of pop culture and political activism.
While official figures are unavailable, Jakarta Police spokesperson Ade Ary Syam Indradi confirmed the deployment of 1,250 personnel to maintain security. No official reports of casualties or arrests have been released.
Who is Protesting?
The diverse crowd included students, many in uniform, and ojek online (ride-hailing motorcycle taxi) drivers, reflecting broad-based frustration across Indonesian society. The protests were organized by groups including the student executive body (BEM) of the University of Indraprasta PGRI (Unindra) and the Indonesian Muslim Students Union (SEMMI).
The Core Grievances: Pay and Corruption
SEMMI specifically targeted lawmakers’ salaries, which reportedly exceed 100 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately US$6,158) per month, including a recently introduced housing allowance. this figure – nearly 20 times Jakarta’s minimum wage – has sparked widespread outrage,particularly given the current economic climate.
“The disparity is simply unacceptable,” said a student protester who identified herself as Anya. “while ordinary Indonesians struggle, our lawmakers live in luxury. We demand accountability.”
Other groups, such as Perkumpulan Mahasiswa Indonesia and the Indonesian Millennials, went further, calling for the complete dissolution of the House of Representatives. A recurring demand was the swift passage of a long-debated asset forfeiture bill,seen as a crucial tool in combating corruption.
Government Response & Future Protests
House Speaker Puan Maharani acknowledged the protesters’ concerns, stating that legislators would “accommodate all aspirations of the public” and seek input to improve performance.She reiterated previous statements denying a salary hike, but confirmed the addition of the housing allowance.
However, protesters remain skeptical. Further demonstrations are planned this week, including a nationwide protest organized by labor unions on Thursday, with planned actions in Jakarta and across all 38 Indonesian provinces. Said iqbal,chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labor Party,stated that “thousands of workers will take to the streets.”
Related Stories:
Generous housing perks for lawmakers clash with public hardship
Puan denies salary hike for lawmakers
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keywords: “Jakarta protests,” “Indonesia protests,” “lawmaker salaries,” “corruption Indonesia,” “One Piece protest,” “Indonesian politics,” “Puan Maharani,” “Jakarta.” These are woven naturally into the text.
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A wide shot of the protests, showing the scale of the demonstration.
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