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When flexing sparks fury: Prabowo warns party’s lawmakers against flashy displays of wealth
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An Iron Man statue and a Richard Mille watch looted from suspended Indonesian lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni's home.
PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM X
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- Public anger in Indonesia is rising due to displays of wealth ("budaya pamer") on social media amid economic hardship, sparking protests.
- President Prabowo Subianto urged his party members to restrain from "flexing" after public outrage led to demonstrations and protestors targeting officials' lavish lifestyles.
- Flaunting wealth is seen as acceptable for celebrities but criticised for government officials who are expected to improve public welfare.
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JAKARTA – An Hermes handbag. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A Ritz-Carlton birthday party. A private jet. Even a 400,000 rupiah (S$31) lobster roll from Los Angeles.
In Indonesia, flaunting wealth – or budaya pamer – has become a lightning rod for public anger. Social media feeds overflow with images of luxury cars, designer bags and million-dollar homes, while millions of ordinary Indonesians struggle with rising costs.
