While rallies have caused traffic chaos in the capital over the past two days as the House of Representatives deliberated over its investigation into the Bank Century bailout, for some the protests have been an additional source of income rather than frustration.

One 14-year-old boy confessed that he skipped school to join the rally in front of the Parliament Building on Jalan Gatot Subroto on Wednesday. He said he was paid Rp 30,000 ($3.23) to participate.

"It's enough for pocket money," Deni told the Jakarta Globe. Deni joined the rally with a number of his Junior High School friends who had skipped lessons to make some money and have fun. "Rp 30,000 is not bad. Besides, I want to join in the excitement," Deni said as his friends laughed.

He admitted he did not understand anything about Bank Century bailout but was asked by his neighbor to join the rally. "He said I would be given money and Padang food," he said sheepishly.

Another woman named Susi also admitted to being a paid demonstrator. It was not her first time either. The 30-year-old said that taking part in rallies in the capital had become a source of additional income. "It's better than just staying home and doing nothing," Susi said.

She was informed about the rally by her neighbor who told her to come to Tugu Proklamasi in Central Jakarta on Wednesday morning."When we arrived at Tugu Proklamasi, we were given Padang food. The money would be given to us after the rally is over," she said.

Susi said that she was not worried that the rally organizer would bail out on her and run away before payment was made. "I have often done this before. The organizers always keep their word," she said.

The interviews could not continue because Deni and Susi had to continue on with their work. They headed off with the group of protesters shouting: "step down, step down!"