Weeks after widespread protests swept Indonesia concerning the generous pay of lawmakers, a new increase in allowances has ignited fresh public anger. Members of Parliament will now receive 702 million rupiah ($42,400; £31,800) in recess allowances, nearly doubling the previous amount of 400 million rupiah, according to the country’s deputy house speaker.
These recess allowances are intended to help MPs fulfill their duties, such as visiting constituents, during parliamentary breaks. Previously, protests in August focused on a $3,000 monthly housing allowance for MPs, which was nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta and was later reduced to appease public sentiment.
The recent decision to increase recess allowances, effective from October 3rd, has reignited debates about the wealth and privileges of Indonesian politicians. Lawmakers typically take around five recesses annually to engage with their constituents and gather feedback.
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the deputy house speaker, explained that the increase aims to align with the expanded activities undertaken by MPs during their recesses, citing rising food and transportation costs as justification. He also announced plans for a publicly accessible app where MPs will report their recess fund expenditures, allowing for greater transparency and public oversight.
While such allowances are not uncommon in other countries to support parliamentary duties, the Indonesian situation has become a focal point for broader dissatisfaction with perceived corruption and economic disparities. Critics argue that these increases, especially after the recent housing allowance controversy, demonstrate a disconnect between the political elite and the general populace.