Indonesia Reduces Lawmaker Benefits in Effort to Quell Protests

Indonesia announced a reduction in financial perks for lawmakers on Sunday in light of the recent protests and growing frustration over economic difficulties. The protests, initially driven by economic hardships, took a violent turn resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. President Prabowo Subianto addressed the situation during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on August 31, 2025. The demonstrations, which began as a response to economic challenges, quickly evolved into broader discontent and anger directed at law enforcement agencies.