• Indonesia nearly doubled the recess allowance for lawmakers, sparking fresh public outrage.
• The increase comes after violent protests against lawmakers' perks, which resulted in numerous deaths and arrests.
• Lawmakers will receive 700 million rupiah (approximately $42,200) per recess, up from 400 million rupiah.
• Public backlash continues over perceived financial privileges amid growing economic inequality.

In Indonesia, a significant increase in lawmakers' allowances has triggered renewed public protests. The government's decision to nearly double the recess allowance for parliamentarians from 400 million rupiah to 700 million rupiah (approximately $42,200) was announced just weeks after violent demonstrations erupted against government spending priorities. These protests were predominantly driven by anger over excessive perks for politicians, including substantial housing allowances, which had previously spurred unrest that spread across 32 of Indonesia's 38 provinces, leading to at least ten deaths and over 5,000 arrests, making it one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence in decades, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The newly announced allowance is designated to support lawmakers in their official duties during recess periods, which typically occur five times a year. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad justified the allowance increase by claiming it reflects rising costs of living and other economic factors not considered previously. "So this is not a raise, it’s a policy decided by the house's secretariat after reviewing various kinds of aspects," he stated, indicating that the financial adjustment is meant to align lawmakers' compensation with current economic conditions, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

This decision has not been well-received among the public, who see it as an additional reflection of blame towards the political elite's perceived impunity regarding wealth and privilege. "It's like Indonesians have been pranked,” remarked Lucius Karus, a representative from the non-profit watchdog Formappi. He criticized the government's actions following the temporary removal of certain allowances meant to quell anger, which only resurfaced in a different form. Many citizens feel that the adjustments do little to alleviate the economic challenges faced by everyday Indonesians, as millions continue to live in poverty despite Indonesia's status as Southeast Asia's largest economy, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and BBC.