Indonesian President Scraps Lawmakers' Housing Allowance After Protests Claim 6 Lives

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-31 19:32:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-01 00:14:39

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The deadly protests in Indonesia over the controversial legislative amendments have claimed six lives so far, prompting the president to revoke lawmakers' housing allowance, which had sparked the initial protest. The decision has ignited a new round of demonstrations and violence in many provinces across the nation.

The events began when tens of thousands of Indonesians took to the streets earlier this week to protest the new law that would revise the country's constitution, particularly regarding the authority of the legislature to scrutinize members of the executive branch. The enormous protests turned violent in some areas, with reports of arson, attacks on local government buildings, and looting.

The anger was initially sparked by the proposed revisions to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) law, which would allegedly undermine the commission's independence and ability to detain corrupt officials. Critics also argue that the amendments would jeopardize the KPK's success in the fight against corruption, a pervasive issue in the country.

President Joko Widodo announced the cancellation of the housing allowance for lawmakers, a decision communicated to parliament. The announcement stated, "The President requests that the Housing Allowance Ordinance for Members of the House of Representatives be annulled immediately so that the House of Representatives can continue the discussion on the draft revision of the KPK Law."

The deadly protests have so far claimed six lives, with the death toll expected to rise as the situation develops.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian authorities have begun to crack down on the violence, issuing a stern warning that any protesters engaging in violent demonstrations will face the full force of the law.

As the situation develops, tensions are rising, with uncertainty about the next steps and how the government and citizens will proceed.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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