Indonesia’s parliament has come under heavy criticism for approving a $3,067 monthly housing allowance for each member, Jakarta Globe reports. Observers argue that the figure highlights a stark disconnect from the financial struggles experienced by ordinary Indonesians.

The allowance is nearly ten times the highest provincial minimum wage, which stands around $320, and as much as twenty times the lowest wages in poorer regions, which are closer to $150. Alongside this, members of parliament receive a fixed salary and other benefits, which analysts estimate can push their total monthly package above $6,134. Public policy specialist Achmad Nur Hidayat said such sums damage perceptions of fairness, particularly when law-making performance remains underwhelming.

He calculated that covering housing support for 575 members over a full five-year term would cost the state about $106mn. “Compensation at this scale should be balanced by strong legislative achievements,” Achmad explained, noting that surveys consistently rank parliament as among the least trusted national institutions. He added that policy debates are now often initiated by citizens online rather than by parliamentary scrutiny, showing how lawmakers appear slow and unresponsive.

Comparisons with neighbouring countries have further fuelled public anger. In Malaysia, members of parliament earn roughly $3,400 per month including allowances, with housing assistance largely limited to ministers. In the Philippines, salaries average about $4,700 monthly, but housing benefits are minimal. Singaporean MPs are among the best paid worldwide, earning about $141,000 annually, yet these salaries are linked to living costs and performance benchmarks. Indonesia’s $3,067 allowance therefore stands out as disproportionately high given the country’s income disparities.

Parliamentary leaders have defended the policy. DPR Secretary-General Indra Iskandar said the measure was necessary because MPs in the 2024–2029 term are not given state-provided residences. Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir insisted the amount was reasonable, arguing that rental prices in districts near the parliament complex often exceed $4,300 per month, meaning lawmakers still cover part of the cost themselves. He clarified that the increase applies solely to housing allowances, with salaries and other benefits unchanged.

Yet many argue the allowance highlights a deeper imbalance. While parliamentarians enjoy generous benefits, their performance has fallen short of public expectations, with legislation often failing to prioritise the needs and interests of the very people they represent.