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What caused the protests in Indonesia?
The protests in Indonesia were sparked by a scandal involving lawmakers' housing allowances, which many saw as an insult during times of economic hardship. The allowance of 50 million rupiah per month for all 580 members of the House of Representatives was seen as excessive, especially amid rising living costs and unemployment. The situation escalated after police killed a delivery driver during protests, fueling public outrage and widespread unrest.
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Why did President Prabowo replace ministers?
President Prabowo replaced five ministers in response to the protests and growing political instability. The cabinet reshuffle aimed to restore order and address public dissatisfaction. The move also signals an effort to regain public trust and demonstrate that the government is taking action to tackle economic issues and reduce corruption.
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What’s the impact of the housing allowance scandal?
The housing allowance scandal has significantly damaged public trust in Indonesia’s political elite. The allowance, which was nearly ten times the minimum wage, appeared insensitive during a time of economic hardship. The scandal has led to protests, deaths, and increased scrutiny of lawmakers’ privileges, highlighting deep economic inequalities and government insensitivity.
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How is the government restoring order?
The Indonesian government has revoked lawmakers’ perks, suspended overseas trips, and increased security measures to restore calm. These steps are part of broader efforts to control unrest, prevent further violence, and reassure the public that stability is a priority. The government is also addressing economic grievances to reduce tensions.
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What does this mean for Indonesia’s future?
The current unrest reveals deep economic and political tensions that could shape Indonesia’s future. While the government is taking steps to stabilize the situation, ongoing protests and public dissatisfaction suggest that economic inequality and governance issues remain unresolved. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Indonesia can restore stability and rebuild public trust.