“We’ve detained dozens for attacking security personnel and looting the house,” said head of East Jakarta’s Criminal Investigation Unit, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Dicky Fertoffan, on Tuesday.
While the number of suspects remains undisclosed, Fertoffan confirmed most detainees are local residents.
Police are still working to identify key provocateurs, noting the looting was driven by personal gain.
Investigators used viral footage to track down perpetrators and recovered furniture stolen from Uya’s home as evidence.
The incident occurred amid public protests over lawmakers’ lavish allowances and perceived insensitivity.
Uya and other DPR members had faced backlash for dancing during the August 15 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly, sparking outrage over a proposed Rp50 million (US$3,000) housing allowance.
Just before the looting, Uya posted a video clarifying that his dance was meant to honor the musicians, not dismiss public concerns.
Similar attacks targeted the homes of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and DPR members Ahmad Sahroni, Eko Patrio, and Nafa Urbach.
In response, the DPR suspended the four legislators and Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir.
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.
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Translator: Siti Nurhaliza, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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