Summary
Indonesian lawmakers received a significant increase in their recess allowances shortly after public protests about their benefits. The new allowance is meant to help with official activities during parliamentary breaks but has caused public frustration. The increase in allowances started on October 3rd.
Key Facts
- Indonesian lawmakers' recess allowances increased from 400 million to 702 million rupiah.
- The increase followed protests over high housing allowances for lawmakers.
- Protests began due to housing allowances 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
- Lawmakers take about five recesses a year to work in their electoral districts.
- Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated the allowance increase accounts for rising costs.
- An app will be launched to allow the public to monitor lawmakers' expenses.
- Other countries, like Australia, also give lawmakers extra allowances for duties.
- A previous error led to some lawmakers receiving an extra 54 million rupiah, which was later corrected.
