DPR allowances spark protest
Public outrage erupted after it was revealed that members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) were to receive a staggering Rp 50 million monthly housing allowance -on top of several other increases, including a rice allowance boost to Rp 12 million and gasoline support raised to Rp 7 million. The justification? No more official housing and a "heavy workload." But critics argue the timing is tone-deaf, especially amid economic uncertainty for everyday citizens. With total monthly compensation nearing Rp 70 million, the DPR’s pay hike quickly became a flashpoint for public frustration.
Nationwide protests erupt
Nationwide demonstrations flared up in response to the DPR’s allowance increase. Tensions reached a boiling point on August 28 when a police tactical vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle taxi driver, sparking riots across cities like Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, and Bandung. Crowds torched police posts and public facilities. In Medan, the local parliament office was burned down. On August 30, protesters stormed and looted the home of former DPR member Ahmad Sahroni in North Jakarta, destroying luxury cars and properties. Other public figures, including Nafa Urbach and Eko Patrio, were also targeted. Several Jakarta offices instructed employees to work from home as the situation escalated.
Prabowo reshuffles his cabinet
On September 8, President Prabowo Subianto reshuffled his cabinet for the second time during his term. This round introduced a mix of political veterans and new names across six key ministries. Among the changes:
- Finance Minister: Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa
- Minister of Migrant Workers (P2MI): Mukhtarudin
- Minister of Cooperatives: Ferry Juliantono
- Minister of Hajj and Umrah: Mochamad Irfan Yusuf
- Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah: Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak
The reshuffle signals a recalibration of domestic focus, with potential implications for Indonesia’s economy, labour migration, and religious affairs.
Purbaya’s fiscal power play
Just days after taking office, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa made waves by disbursing Rp 200 trillion in government surplus funds to six banks. Recipients included major state-owned lenders like Bank Mandiri, BRI, BNI, and BTN. Market analysts applauded the move, which triggered a rise in Himbara bank shares. The minister did not clarify the exact allocation per bank, but the move is seen as an attempt to stimulate lending and ensure financial liquidity amid looming economic challenges.
Devastating floods hit Bali
From September 9 to early September 10, relentless rain caused widespread flooding across Bali, with waters reaching up to three meters in some areas. The worst hit was Denpasar, recording over 40 flood points. The tragedy left 18 people dead, 5 missing, and displaced over 400 residents. Authorities blamed not just the heavy rainfall, but poor drainage, overflowing rivers, and unchecked development. Piles of garbage and blocked waterways only worsened the situation – a sobering reminder of the ecological cost of rapid urban expansion.
