Indonesia Roundup: Lawmakers’ allowance revoked, housing allowance, China visit

Housing allowance

Mass protests were sparked in Indonesia after reports that MPs receive a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (US$3,000) per month, on top of their salaries. Tensions escalated when a police vehicle killed a motorcycle taxi driver, fueling unrest that left five dead, financial markets reeling, and state buildings, including MPs’ residences, vandalised. President Prabowo conceded to revoking perks, while condemning protesters as “treasonous.”

Lawmakers’ allowances revoked

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has moved to defuse public anger by revoking lawmakers’ housing and travel allowances following violent protests across the country. Demonstrations initially broke out in Jakarta after it emerged that all 580 members of parliament were receiving monthly housing allowances of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) in addition to their salaries. The protests escalated after a police tactical vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver, leading to days of unrest that saw several regional parliament buildings set ablaze.

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Crackdown on illegal mining

Indonesia's forestry task force has launched a major operation targeting illegal mining across 4.27 million hectares of forest. While criminal prosecutions may follow, the immediate priority is reclaiming profits from exploiters and handing operations over to state agencies under government management. The crackdown derives from President Prabowo Subianto’s earlier pledge in his first state-of-the-nation address, where he revealed that 5 million hectares of palm plantations and forest land were under scrutiny for unauthorised conversion and failure to secure permits.

Largest-ever multinational drill

Indonesia is hosting Super Garuda Shield 2025, its largest-ever joint military exercise involving 6,500 troops from 13 countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. The 11-day drill features live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, and joint airborne operations. For the first time, U.S. forces conducted a live-fire Stinger missile exercise on Indonesian soil, highlighting closer security cooperation between Washington and Jakarta.

President cancels china visit

President Prabowo Subianto has cancelled his slated trip to China as nationwide protests over MPs’ housing allowances intensified. Demonstrations, which began over the controversial ₱50 million/month housing perks, escalated after a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle driver. Protesters have since vandalised several regional parliament buildings, prompting the president to stay home and summon social media platforms like TikTok and Meta to rein in misinformation.