Copied from serennotes @ Threads with permission:
📍 What’s Happening in Indonesia (2025) And Why People Are Furious
In Aug 2025, Indonesia’s parliament (DPR) quietly passed a massive salary and benefits increase for its members, sparking nationwide anger.
They claimed the increase was needed to “support performance and dignity of lawmakers” and to ensure they could “focus on serving the people without financial distractions.”
— which includes their base salary, a Rp 50 million monthly housing allowance, communication allowances, oversight allowances, and additional benefits such as rice, fuel, and family support. In contrast, the average Indonesian worker earns only around 3 to 5 million IDR per month (about €170–€280). This extreme wage gap has sparked national outrage, especially as the government also introduced new tax increases that place additional burdens on low-income families, students, and small businesses.
Public anger intensified after several MPs were seen dancing and celebrating in Parliament following the approval of the raise.
Mind you, Indonesia still struggles with poverty, education gaps, and public healthcare access.
And while the people are being told to “tighten their belts,” MPs were caught on video dancing and celebrating in parliament because they’re happy that their salaries are increased! Literally DANCING.
One even made a TikTok-style dance. Another MP called protesting citizens “tolol” a slang term for “stupid.”
This isn’t just about money. It’s about public betrayal.
And then came the tragedy that broke the nation’s heart:
⚠️ A Man Killed During Protests
During the protests in Jakarta, a Gojek driver (Uber but with motorbikes) named Affan Kurniawan was tragically run over by a police armored vehicle. In the video, he was seen tripping and the police vehicle was so fast cutting the rioters mass and hit him. Despite knowing he was under the car, police STILL accelerated the vehicle, while the mass tried helping the poor man. He later died in the hospital.
Another driver was critically injured. No official apology. No accountability. Just another name added to the cost of silence.
That’s why Indonesia is rising up.
Not because people are rebellious. But because the government has stopped listening and started celebrating while people suffer.
It’s not just about a pay raise. It’s about dignity, fairness, and the right to be heard without being killed.
My fellow Indonesians. Share this. Let the truth burn through the lies. These soulless, corrupt elites who eats tax payers money sit safe while innocent people suffer and die. This isn’t a government. It’s a machine of greed and cruelty. Let the world see who they really are.
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