Indonesia's President Pledges Reforms Amidst Public Outcry
In response to nationwide protests resulting in six deaths, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has promised to revoke lawmakers' perks, including a controversial housing allowance. The protests were fueled by public anger over the allowance, considered excessive amid rising living costs. Subianto pledged to respect free expression while condemning violence.
- Country:
- Indonesia
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto vowed on Sunday to revoke lawmakers' perks, including a controversial $3,000 housing allowance, aiming to quell public outrage after six people were killed in nationwide protests.
Joined by leaders of eight political parties, Subianto announced during a televised news conference in Jakarta the decision to cut housing allowances and suspend overseas trips for parliament members. This move marks a rare concession to growing public discontent.
Protests intensified across the world's third-largest democracy last week, leading Subianto to engage with prominent national figures and cancel a significant trip to China. The demonstrations were triggered by reports of lawmakers receiving housing allowances nearly ten times the Jakarta minimum wage, amid widespread economic hardship.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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