Homes of Indonesian MPs looted amid protests over politicians’ allowances

Several Indonesian MPs had their homes looted over the weekend amid growing nationwide protests against controversial allowances for politicians.

Looters seized luxury goods, damaged sports cars, and even took pets from the properties of four members of parliament. Among those targeted was Ahmad Sahroni, a National Democrat Party (Nasdem) MP, whose unoccupied home was broken into and ransacked.

Videos circulating on social media showed mobs damaging Sahroni’s sports cars and stealing expensive watches, designer bags, jewellery, and a life-sized Iron Man figurine. Some reports suggest the addresses of MPs were leaked online, facilitating the attacks.

The protests, sparked by anger over MPs’ perks, have turned violent across Indonesia. At least seven people have died, including a 21-year-old food delivery worker who was fatally hit by an armoured police vehicle in Jakarta. More than 460 people have been hospitalised in the capital alone.

President Prabowo Subianto condemned the looting and promised “firm action” against those responsible. Authorities are investigating the incidents to identify those involved.

Sahroni, who recently drew criticism for calling those demanding the dissolution of parliament “the dumbest people in the world,” is currently unaccounted for. Social media users speculated that he may have fled the country.

This is the first time in Indonesia’s democratic history that MPs’ homes have been directly targeted by mobs amid political unrest.