JAKARTA – A majority of Indonesians say the country needs an opposition presence in Parliament, a new survey shows, amid violent demonstrations over lawmakers’ perks and growing concern about President Prabowo Subianto’s supermajority.
A Kompas poll conducted from August 11–14 and released on September 8 found that 58.4 percent of respondents want at least one party to counterbalance the government. Mr Prabowo’s coalition controls around 81 percent of seats, the largest majority since the fall of Suharto, while the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has declared itself outside but not against the administration.
The release of the findings came after revelations of hefty housing allowances for legislators sparked nationwide demonstrations from August 28. At least 10 people have been killed in clashes, and parliamentary buildings have been attacked, forcing the government to scrap the perks. Officials say at least 228 protests have erupted across 35 provinces, though momentum appeared to slow over the weekend.
The survey also showed frustration with political parties: 56 percent said they fail to represent citizens’ aspirations, blaming corruption, broken promises and poor public engagement. Party supporters remain divided on the role of PDI-P. Backers of Prabowo’s Gerindra and long-time ruling ally Golkar favor incorporating it into the government, while others argue its history as an opposition force makes it vital for democratic checks and balances.
Mr Prabowo has responded by cutting additional allowances for transport, electricity and communications, while defending the presence of soldiers in the streets as necessary against threats of arson and terrorism. He said social media demands were being heard, some seen as “reasonable,” while warning of attempts to incite unrest.
The former general pledged fair enforcement of the law and signaled openness to forming an independent inquiry into the protests, stressing that while dissent is a right, it must not cross into violence.