Discontent and contempt for politicians igniting sparks in Indonesia
Violent protests have rocked Indonesia this week. The protests are rooted in a general contempt for politicians that has been fueled since it became known that the country's 580 members of parliament receive an extra housing allowance equivalent to almost 30,000 kronor in addition to their regular salary, writes Al Jazeera.
This is ten times more than the minimum wage in the capital Jakarta and 20 times more than the minimum wage in the country's poorest parts.
At the same time, the protesters are dissatisfied with the fact that taxes and high inflation make it impossible for ordinary people to make ends meet. One of the protesters' demands is an increase in the minimum wage.
The demonstrations have become increasingly extensive and violent over the past week and really caught fire after images of motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan being run over and killed by riot police who were about to intervene against protesters outside the parliament building.
The protests have taken place around the country and in many places government buildings have been stormed and vandalized.
Major protests in Indonesia – three people burned to death
Three people have been killed in connection with major protests in Indonesia, reports AFP. The protesters stormed and set fire to a government building in the city of Makassar where the three people were burned to death.
Four more people are being treated in hospital after the fire.
The violent protests broke out in a number of cities after images of a police car running over a motorcycle taxi and killing its driver were circulated.
Seven police officers have been arrested after the incident and President Prabowo Subianto has promised that the incident will be thoroughly investigated.
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