Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi – Hundreds of students from various universities in Southeast Sulawesi protested at the provincial council building Wednesday, demanding council members reject a raise in allowances.

The students said the 2006 regulation sharply increasing the councillors' communication allowance was bad for Indonesia. "The huge income of council members is legalized corruption," charged Hasidin, executive head of the Haluoleo University student organization.

The students remained dissatisfied after meeting with five council members. "We're just the object of this regulation. This decision was made by the central government so we can't say we reject this regulation," said council member Kadir Ole, who is the spokesman for the United Development Party's faction on the council.