Jakarta. House of Representatives (DPR)Speaker Puan Maharani convened a closed-door meeting with parliamentary faction leaders on Thursday to discuss what she described as a “major transformation” of the legislature, following days of student-led protests demanding accountability and reform.

The meeting, held at the DPR leadership room in Jakarta’s Senayan parliamentary complex, was attended by Deputy Speakers Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, and Saan Mustopa, along with all faction leaders.

Among the decisions reached, lawmakers agreed to scrap a controversial monthly housing allowance of Rp 50 million ($3,100) for members. Parliament also lifted a moratorium on working visits by members and commissions, a step seen as part of efforts to increase engagement with constituents.

“In principle, we in parliament will continue to improve ourselves. The aspirations of the people will serve as constructive input,” Puan said.

She stressed that she would personally lead the institutional reform process within parliament to align with public expectations. “I will take charge of the DPR’s reform,” she declared.

The move comes a day after parliament received a delegation of 16 student representatives who pressed lawmakers to take responsibility amid nationwide protests, including rallies outside the Senayan complex in Jakarta.

The protests began last Thursday when thousands of students and residents gathered at the House of Representatives (DPR) complex in Jakarta, rallying against lawmakers’ generous perks amid worsening economic hardships. The demonstrations stretched into the night and turned deadly when ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan was killed after being run over by a Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) armored vehicle in Central Jakarta. His death has ignited nationwide outrage, fueling demands for police accountability and an end to excessive force.

By Friday, the unrest had escalated, spilling into nearby neighborhoods with sporadic looting and clashes. Anger has been particularly directed at parliament members, whom protesters accuse of living lavishly while ordinary Indonesians struggle with rising costs of living.

Add as a preferred source on Google +