Clashes erupted in Indonesia on Monday, as thousands took to the streets to protest against corruption. Protesters clad in dark clothing tried to march towards the parliament building in the capital, Jakarta. Some of the demonstrators were seen carrying the pirate flag from the Japanese manga One Piece, which has become a symbol of resistance in Indonesia.
Police and protesters clash in Indonesia
The protesters were blocked from entering the parliament building by Indonesian riot police. Over 1,200 officers had been stationed outside parliament to prevent the demonstrators from getting in. The security personnel fired tear gas and water cannons at the crowd. The protesters responded by hurling stones and bottles at the security forces, and some demonstrators even lit fires near the parliament compound, causing the situation devolved into a melee. Reports say that about 400 people were arrested over the course of the protest, which went on till late in the night.
Protests against corruption
A group called “Indonesian People's Revolution” had put out a call for the demonstration on social media. They were demanding an investigation into corruption cases involving family members of Indonesia’s former President, Joko Widodo. They also demanded the impeachment of the current Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is Joko Widodo’s son.
MP housing allowance sparks outrage
But the major flashpoint which instigated the protests was the recent revelation that members of parliament were receiving a housing allowance of 50 million Indonesian rupiah ($3,075) per month. The allowance is over and above the salaries drawn by MPs. And the amount is 20 times the minimum wage in the poorer regions of Indonesia. The demonstrators are demanding that the lavish housing allowance be abolished.
