On August 25, 2025, hundreds of Indonesians took to the streets in Jakarta, clashing with police outside the House of Representatives (DPR RI) building. They were protesting a controversial housing allowance increase for lawmakers, which many see as unfair. Let’s dive into why this issue has sparked such outrage and what it means for the country.
The protests began after reports surfaced that DPR members were receiving a new housing allowance of Rp 50 million (around $3,067) per month. This is on top of their existing salaries and perks, which can total over Rp 100 million ($6,134) monthly. For comparison, the average income in Indonesia is about Rp 3.1 million per month, and the minimum wage in some areas is even lower. Many Indonesians feel this gap is too wide, especially when lawmakers are seen as underperforming.
Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir tried to clarify that there was no salary increase, only a housing allowance to replace state-provided residences. However, this explanation did little to calm the public. Critics, including groups like Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW), argue that the Rp 1.74 trillion cost of these allowances over five years could fund critical services like education or healthcare instead.
Why Are People Angry?
The anger comes from a sense of unfairness. While ordinary Indonesians struggle with rising living costs, lawmakers are getting hefty allowances. A viral video of DPR members dancing during a session added fuel to the fire, with many calling it tone-deaf. Netizens flooded social media, criticizing the government for prioritizing lawmakers’ comfort over public needs.
Civil society groups have also raised concerns. ICW’s Seira Tamara called the housing allowance “socially insensitive,” pointing out that there’s no clear monitoring to ensure the funds are used properly. Others, like Seknas Fitra’s Misbah Hasan, said the money could build homes for low-income families instead of funding lawmakers’ luxury accommodations.
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The Bigger Picture
These protests are part of a broader wave of unrest in Indonesia. On the same week, people protested changes to election laws and other policies seen as favoring the elite. Many feel the government is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens, especially as inequality remains high, with Indonesia’s Gini ratio at 0.38.
The demonstrations also reflect frustration with President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Some protesters waved flags from the manga series One Piece, a symbol of resistance against policies they see as unjust.
The DPR has postponed discussions on controversial election law changes due to the protests, but the salary issue remains unresolved. Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani promised to listen to public concerns, but trust in the DPR is low, with surveys showing it as one of Indonesia’s least trusted institutions.
For now, the protests highlight a growing divide between Indonesia’s leaders and its people. Many are calling for transparency and accountability in how lawmakers are paid. Without real changes, public anger could continue to grow.
The DPR salary hike protests show how much Indonesians care about fairness and accountability. While lawmakers argue the housing allowance is necessary, the public sees it as a symbol of privilege in a country where many struggle to get by. As Indonesia moves forward, addressing these concerns will be crucial to rebuilding trust.
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