Jakarta. Four leaders of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Gresik Regency, East Java, have been granted luxury facilities in the form of new official cars.

The vehicles provided are the latest Hyundai Santa Fe models, each priced at around Rp 900 million ($54,700). All units were financed through the Gresik Regency Regional Budget (APBD).

The sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were seen neatly parked in the DPRD Gresik building courtyard during a recent plenary session, drawing attention from staff and local residents nearby.

DPRD Chairman Muhammad Syahrul Munir received a black Santa Fe with a 2,500 cc engine, while the other three deputy leaders were allocated white Santa Fe models with 2,200 cc engines, highlighting special treatment afforded to the council chairman.

Khoirul Anwar, Head of the General Affairs Division of the Gresik Regency Secretariat, confirmed the procurement of the four official cars. He stated that the purchase was financed through the regional budget and complied with Home Affairs Ministry of Regulation No. 11 of 2007 regarding government work infrastructure standards.

“Official vehicle requirements are determined by engine capacity. As for the model, DPRD leaders are free to choose. The Santa Fe still falls within the permissible engine capacity,” Khoirul Anwar explained on Friday.

However, the decision to provide legislators with luxury vehicles stands in stark contrast to Indonesia’s current situation.

Tensions in Jakarta and several other regions have escalated following protests that turned violent on Thursday and Friday. One online motorcycle taxi driver was tragically killed after being struck while avoiding a Brimob tactical vehicle.

The demonstrations in Jakarta were sparked by a parliamentary proposal to grant lawmakers a monthly housing allowance of Rp 50 million. The move drew public outrage amid President Prabowo’s repeated calls for budget efficiency. Lawmakers, however, defended the proposal, calling the amount reasonable.

“I think it makes sense if the allowance is Rp 50 million per month. That’s for members; leaders don’t get the housing allowance since they already have official residences,” said DPR Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir.