Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – Indonesia's major political parties moved on Sunday to support the suspension of controversial parliamentary perks, including a Rp 50 million ($3,000) monthly housing allowance, as public anger over lawmakers' privileges boiled over into nationwide protests.
Gerindra Party's parliamentary leader Budisatrio Djiwandono said the faction would push to revoke benefits deemed unfair to citizens and bar its lawmakers from foreign trips.
"Gerindra has heard the grievances of the people regarding allowances that damage public trust. We are ready to review and stop them," Budisatrio said. He ordered all party lawmakers to remain in the country to engage directly with constituents.
Budisatrio, who is also a deputy chairman of Gerindra, said the move followed instructions from party chief Prabowo Subianto, who directed legislators to stay close to the people. He also offered condolences to families of victims killed or injured during recent protests in Jakarta, Makassar, and other cities.
"The tragedies reflect accumulated public frustration. We must use this moment to improve governance," he said, apologizing on behalf of the party.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the largest bloc in parliament, echoed Gerindra's stance. Senior lawmaker Said Abdullah said suspending the housing allowance and other excessive benefits was necessary to preserve public trust.
"Excessive perks are not in line with the lives of ordinary Indonesians who still struggle," Said said. "Lawmakers must have empathy and remember that parliament is the people's showcase."
The National Mandate Party (PAN) also issued internal directives after criticism of its members, including television celebrities-turned-legislators Uya Kuya and Eko Patrio, whose homes were targeted by angry mobs over the weekend.
Party chairman Zulkifli Hasan instructed PAN lawmakers to act with humility, avoid arrogance, and be ready to have their positions and perks reviewed. "Be sensitive to the situation, full of empathy, don't flex, don't be arrogant," he said.
The concessions follow days of escalating protests sparked by anger over lawmakers' allowances, which many Indonesians see as out of touch with the country's economic realities.