Indonesian government promises to meet protesters’ demands

Reuters reported that Indonesia has accepted protesters’ calls to reduce lawmakers’ perks and privileges, with political parties agreeing to revoke part of parliamentarians’ benefits and allowances.

On Sunday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that this move is a major concession to anti-government protests, which so far have left five people dead.

Speaking at a press conference at the presidential palace, attended by leaders of various political parties, Prabowo said he had ordered the military and police to deal firmly with rioters and looters. He warned that some of the incidents showed signs of “terrorism” and “treason.”

Prabowo added: “Parliament lawmakers have announced that a number of parliamentary policies will be revoked, including housing allowances for MPs and the suspension of foreign work trips.”

He stressed: “I have instructed the police and military to act decisively, in accordance with the law, against the destruction of public buildings, looting of homes, individuals, and economic centers.”

The protests in Indonesia initially began on August 24 in response to what demonstrators described as “excessive salaries and housing allowances for lawmakers.”

The unrest escalated after a police armored vehicle hit a motorcyclist, killing him. Following that incident, the turmoil grew into riots, with homes of political party members and government facilities attacked or set on fire.

The wave of unrest in recent days forced Prabowo to cancel his planned trip to China.