Anti-government protests in Indonesia have turned violent after police killed a 21-year-old delivery driver.
The protests began in the capital city of Jakarta, sparked by outrage over politicians’ pay.
They have now spread across the country, resulting in at least seven deaths and more than 1,200 arrests.
Govt pay rise
Last month, Indonesian media reported federal politicians were receiving a monthly ‘housing allowance’ of up to 50 million rupiah ($AU4,700) as part of their pay.
The allowance is around 10 times the minimum wage in the capital of Jakarta. However, in a now-viral video, Federal MP Adies Kadir claimed the payment isn’t enough to cover politicians’ housing in the city.
It follows recent budget cuts, which have impacted funding in Indonesian provinces.
Protests
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Protests began in Jakarta on 25 August, with demonstrations centred on the Parliament building. Police fired tear gas at protesters, who threw rocks and bottles back.
On the third day of protests in the capital, police ran over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, who later died in hospital.
The killing of Kurniawan sparked widespread protests across the whole country.
Protestors targeted government and police buildings, and the homes of politicians.
At least seven people have been killed, including three who died when a council building was set alight.
In response, President Prabowo Subianto cancelled a planned trip to China, met with Kurniawan’s family, and has committed to an investigation.
Prabowo told the press on the weekend that the housing allowance has been scrapped.
