Authorities blocked streets and toll roads leading to Parliament, triggering massive traffic congestion in Jakarta.
More than 1,200 security personnel guarded the Parliament compound against advancing protesters.
Riot police fired tear gas at thousands of students marching toward Parliament on Monday.
The students demanded action against excessive allowances granted to lawmakers.
Protesters Clash With Police Over Housing Allowances
Protesters reacted angrily to reports that 580 lawmakers have received 50 million rupiah (€2,637) monthly housing allowances since September 2024.
They condemned the payments as unjust while most Indonesians endure economic struggles.
Protesters hurled rocks and bottles at police officers and lit fires under a flyover near Parliament.
Police fired tear gas repeatedly as demonstrators attempted to breach security lines.
No immediate reports of injuries emerged from the violent clashes.
Public Anger Over Inequality and Corruption
The housing allowance alone equals 20 times the minimum monthly wage in poorer regions.
Protesters insisted lawmakers must abolish the excessive benefits that come on top of high salaries.
House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowance, claiming it was adjusted to current prices in Jakarta.
Activists accused both Parliament and police of widespread corruption in Indonesia, a nation of over 280 million people.
