Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR RI, Dave Laksono, conveyed that his party had planned several overseas trips, including to Berlin. However, all of them were postponed due to the decision.
"We have canceled all of our visits," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He explained that the House also has representative offices in other countries, and vice versa. Therefore, he believes the moratorium will not hinder the Commission's overseas duties.
"We must listen to the aspirations of the people. We must agree with them because we are representatives of the people. We are here to represent the people, we must fight for that," Laksono remarked.
Previously, President Prabowo, in a joint statement with leaders of political parties in parliament, agreed to eliminate the allowances for House members and implement a moratorium on overseas working visits.
This announcement was made on August 31, in response to public unrest regarding the demonstrations in various regions.
"Several DPR RI policies have been agreed to be revoked, including the amount of their allowances and the moratorium on overseas working visits," he said.
Over the past week, a wave of large-scale demonstrations has taken place in various cities across Indonesia following the death of ride-hailing motorcycle driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a police tactical vehicle during a demonstration in Jakarta on August 28.
Some of the initial demands of these demonstrations included transparency and cuts to the House of Representatives' allowances, reforms to the ethics and accountability of legislative institutions, and the rejection of several controversial bills.
As of September 1, the wave of demonstrations continued. In several areas, namely Palu, Central Sulawesi, and the Tangerang District Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), the protesters' messages were conveyed peacefully and received by public officials.
Related news: Prabowo, parties agree to cut lawmakers' benefits, halt foreign trips
Related news: Home Affairs Minister orders regional leaders to delay overseas trips
Translator: Bagus Ahmad, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
