Nationwide protests erupted on August 25. Demonstrators clad in dark clothing hurled rocks and set off fireworks at riot police while attempting to storm Indonesia’s parliament in Jakarta.
The protesters—mostly students from Yogyakarta—demanded that parliamentarians take a pay cut, according to Gejayan Memanggil, one of the organizing groups.
Local media previously reported that parliamentarians earn over 100 million rupiah ($6,150) a month, plus hefty housing allowances—far above the average income.
Protesters argue that government salaries are incompatible with President Prabowo Subianto’s promises of strict austerity measures and more efficient government spending.