“The DPR leaders have stated their intention to revoke a number of policies, including member allowances and the moratorium on overseas working visits,” President Prabowo said in a press statement at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that the move is part of the government’s response to growing public discontent and protests in recent days.
The President also noted that political party chairpersons have taken firm disciplinary action against DPR members who made inappropriate or insensitive public statements.
“As a firm measure, several DPR members have had their membership revoked by their respective party leaders,” Prabowo stated.
He emphasized that DPR members must remain attuned to public sentiment and prioritize the interests of the people.
“The DPR leadership and party chairpersons have conveyed through their faction leaders that DPR members must always be sensitive and committed to serving the public interest,” he added.
President Prabowo delivered the statement alongside key figures from state institutions and political parties, including: 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri; Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani; Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani; and Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Bachtiar Najamuddin.
Also present were Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono; Secretary General of the Prosperous Justice Party Muhammad Kholid; Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia; National Awakening Party Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar; National Mandate Party Chairman Zulkifli Hasan; and NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh.
The gathering, held at the Presidential Palace on Sunday afternoon, brought together political party leaders and members of the Red and White Cabinet to address the nation’s political tensions and reaffirm a collective commitment to reform and unity.
The recent protests across Indonesia were primarily fueled by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.
The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.
The demonstrations escalated and became more violent after a video went viral showing a police tactical vehicle running over and killing a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest in Jakarta.
This incident sparked further anger over police brutality and a broader call for police and government reform.
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Translator: Fathur, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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