Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that political parties have agreed to revoke several perks and privileges for parliamentarians, including excessive allowances and overseas work visits, following a week of nationwide protests and riots that claimed at least five lives.

The announcement comes in response to escalating public outrage over lawmakers’ benefits, triggered by the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan during a protest in Jakarta last Thursday. Affan, who was delivering a food order and was not participating in the demonstration, was fatally struck by a police armored vehicle near the parliament building. Seven police officers involved have been detained for 20 days pending further investigation for breaching the force’s code of ethics.

Speaking from the State Palace in Central Jakarta, flanked by leaders of major political parties—including PDI-P chair Megawati Soekarnoputri, Golkar chief Bahlil Lahadalia, NasDem chair Surya Paloh, PKB leader Muhaimin Iskandar, House Speaker Puan Maharani, and Senate Speaker Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin—Prabowo acknowledged the scale of public anger and pledged to address citizens’ grievances while emphasizing the government’s commitment to law and order.

The protests, which began last Monday over excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians, escalated after Affan’s death, resulting in widespread looting and destruction. Homes of senior officials and lawmakers were targeted, including the residence of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani in Bintaro, South Tangerang, which was ransacked twice on Sunday. Looters reportedly stole appliances, furniture, and even life-size statues of football stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. In North Jakarta, the home of NasDem Party lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni was looted, including a Richard Mille watch valued at 11.7 billion rupiah (US$750,000). Sahroni, who was abroad at the time, faced public backlash for dismissive comments about the protests. Other lawmakers, including Nafa Urbach (NasDem), Eko Patrio, and Uya Kuya (National Mandate Party), also saw their properties vandalized and looted, with graffiti accusing officials of being “police killers.” Both NasDem and PAN suspended implicated lawmakers, effective September 1.

Prabowo condemned the violence, including the torching of regional parliament buildings and attacks on economic centers, describing some actions as “signs of subversion and terrorism.” He ordered police and military forces to take decisive action while assuring the public that peaceful assembly and freedom of expression would continue to be protected under Indonesian law and international conventions.

In an effort to restore calm, Prabowo called for dialogue between parliament, students, community leaders, and civil society, urging officials to consider reform proposals and address economic inequality. “We assure you that your voices will be heard and followed up,” he said, appealing for citizens to avoid violence and trust the government’s commitment to reform.

As of Sunday, protests have continued in Jakarta and other cities but at a reduced intensity following Prabowo’s address. Student groups and civil society organizations have accepted the government’s invitation for dialogue, with meetings scheduled at the House of Representatives. Security has been tightened around key government buildings, with the military deployed in Jakarta and Surabaya to prevent further unrest. The Indonesian National Police announced an internal review of protest management tactics, particularly the use of armored vehicles, after Affan’s death. Social media remains active, with hashtags like #JusticeForAffan and #ReformasiDPR trending nationwide.

The government’s decision to strip errant lawmakers of their perks and impose sanctions has been met with cautious optimism, though analysts warn that public distrust in institutions could fuel further unrest unless systemic reforms are swiftly implemented.

Prabowo concluded his address by urging citizens to reject violence and work together for a prosperous Indonesia. “All political parties are committed to fighting for the interests of the people, including the most vulnerable,” he said, as the nation braces for a critical week of dialogue and reform. (ILKHA)