President Prabowo Subianto, together with the leaders of political parties in Parliament, has officially agreed to cancel the allowances for members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and impose a moratorium on overseas working visits. The decision was announced at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Sunday as a direct response to public pressure and nationwide demonstrations.
“Some DPR policies have been agreed to be revoked, including the allowance for DPR members and the moratorium on overseas working visits,” Prabowo said, as quoted by Antara.
The president emphasized that this step reflects the government and Parliament’s willingness to listen to public aspirations. He added that DPR leadership would soon open space for direct dialogue with society.
“I will also ask the leadership of DPR RI to immediately invite community figures, student leaders, and groups who want to deliver their aspirations so they can be welcomed and engaged in direct dialogue,” Prabowo explained.
According to him, additional proposals from the public will also be addressed through an official delegation mechanism. “Other matters will also be followed up through delegations to DPR RI,” he stated.
Prabowo made the announcement alongside top political and legislative figures, including MPR Chair Ahmad Muzani, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, and DPD Chair Sultan Najamudin. Also in attendance were former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and party leaders such as Golkar’s Bahlil Lahadalia, PKB’s Muhaimin Iskandar, PAN’s Zulkifli Hasan, and NasDem’s Surya Paloh. Democratic Party representative Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) and PKS Secretary-General Muhammad Khalid also joined the meeting.
The collective support from these figures signals broad political consensus behind the removal of DPR incentives and stricter oversight of lawmakers’ privileges.
Prabowo Orders Firm Action Against Rioters
While addressing reforms in DPR privileges, Prabowo also highlighted the importance of maintaining national security during ongoing demonstrations. The president acknowledged the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under both Indonesian law and international conventions, but he drew a clear line against violent acts.
“We respect freedom of expression as stipulated in the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 19, and Law Number 9 of 1998. Aspirations can be expressed peacefully. However, if in practice it leads to destruction of public facilities, looting, or even acts of treason and terrorism, then the state must be present to protect its people,” Prabowo said during a live address broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
Prabowo underlined that genuine public aspirations would continue to be respected. He emphasized the importance of delivering aspirations in a calm and orderly way, promising that every message would be listened to, documented, and followed through.
He instructed the police and military to take the strongest legal measures if riots, looting, or attacks on economic centers occur.
“To the police and TNI, I order the strictest action against all forms of destruction, looting, or attacks on economic hubs in accordance with the law,” he stressed.
Demonstrations Continue in Jakarta
Despite the policy changes, demonstrations persisted in Jakarta on Monday (1/9). Police reported nine protest points across the capital, including near the DPR/MPR complex, government ministries, and party headquarters. Student groups, civil society coalitions, and activists voiced demands ranging from a full investigation of the 1998 human rights violations to opposition against certain bills and calls for accountability in corruption cases.
The cancellation of DPR allowances and the moratorium on overseas working trips mark one of the government’s most significant responses to public criticism. Whether these reforms will ease the wave of demonstrations remains to be seen, but the move sets a precedent for stronger accountability in Parliament.
Source: Antara, RMOL, IDN Times
Photo Credit: (Kurniawan Fadilah/detikcom)
