What to know about Indonesia’s nationwide unrest over lawmakers’ perks

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1. What is happening in Indonesia right now shows how fragile the trust between politicians and ordinary people has become. The whole spark was lawmakers giving themselves massive perks and benefits while so many Indonesians are struggling with daily costs. It is not hard to see why people snapped. When mobs storm houses of MPs and loot luxury watches, designer bags, even pets, it is not just random crime. It is anger turned symbolic. The message is clear, if politicians flaunt wealth while citizens tighten belts, the public will not just protest in the streets, they will bring the anger straight to the doorsteps of those in power. The Finance Minister’s home getting stripped of electronics and kitchenware, a sports car smashed, even an Iron Man statue carried off, it all feels almost absurd but also makes sense in the context of raw rage. It is political theater by fire and bricks.

   The government response of sending troops into the streets only deepens the feeling that lawmakers live on a different planet. People do not believe the cuts or promises anymore, so they go after the symbols of inequality instead. Looting is messy and destructive, but in a way it has exposed just how hollow the leadership has become. Instead of dialogue or reform, what you see is barricades, teargas, and images of ransacked houses shared online like trophies. The lawmakers built the perception that they serve themselves first, and now they are watching that perception take physical form in broken gates and emptied safes.

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