Sukarjito, Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – Indonesia has suspended five lawmakers whose controversial remarks about parliamentary perks and displays of privilege inflamed public anger, triggering violent protests that swept across the country.
The suspensions came as rioters ransacked the homes of four MPs in Greater Jakarta, underscoring the deep resentment toward lawmakers' perceived lavish lifestyles at a time of economic hardship.
The National Democratic Party (Nasdem) suspended Ahmad Sahroni, the party's chief treasurer, and Nafa Urbach.
"In carrying out their duties as people's representatives, they made statements that hurt the people and went against the party's principles," Nasdem Chairman Surya Paloh said on Sunday.
Sahroni provoked outrage by calling those demanding the dissolution of parliament "the stupidest people in the world." His home in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, was looted on Saturday.
Nafa defended a Rp 50 million ($3,000) housing allowance, arguing that most lawmakers come from outside Jakarta and must bear the capital's high living costs. She said the allowance, in addition to their salary, was essential for renting or buying homes. Her remarks became a flashpoint that helped trigger student-led protests beginning August 25. Her house in Bintaro, South Tangerang – reportedly belonging to her ex-husband – was also looted.
The National Mandate Party (PAN) suspended lawmakers Eko Hendro Purnomo (Eko Patrio) and Surya Utama (Uya Kuya).
"The suspension is in accordance with the current political dynamics and is part of the party's efforts to maintain the honor, discipline, and integrity of people's representatives," said PAN Deputy Chairman Viva Yoga Mauladi.
Eko and Uya were already under fire after videos showed them dancing inside parliament during the president's annual state address in mid-August. On Saturday, rioters stormed their residences. Eko's luxury home in Jakarta's elite Mega Kuningan district was looted just hours after he issued a public apology. Uya's home was also ransacked, with mobs stealing electronics, furniture, and even his pet cats.
The Golkar Party suspended Adies Kadir and removed him as House Deputy Speaker after controversial remarks on lawmakers' allowances. He initially claimed parliament members were entitled to Rp 12 million in food allowance and Rp 7 million in fuel allowance, before retracting the statement. He continued, however, to defend the Rp 50 million housing allowance. Although not targeted by rioters, his comments deepened public resentment.
The unrest escalated after a motorcycle taxi driver was fatally struck by a police armored vehicle during protests in Jakarta on August 28, intensifying the nationwide demonstrations.
For many Indonesians, the controversy over benefits reflects deeper inequality. The Rp 50 million housing allowance for MPs is nearly ten times the average basic monthly salary in Jakarta, fueling perceptions of privilege and detachment among political elites.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/five-indonesian-mps-suspended-for-remarks-fueling-nationwide-protest