Workers Across Indonesia Stage Rallies Demanding Improved Welfare

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Aug 28 (Bernama) — Thousands of workers staged nationwide demonstrations in Indonesia on Thursday, converging in Jakarta and other major cities to demand better welfare, an end to outsourcing and mass layoffs, and reforms to labour policies, as heavy security forces guarded the parliament complex in the capital.

It was the second protest at the House of Representatives this week, following Monday’s march where hundreds denounced lawmakers’ high salaries and perks amid mounting economic hardship.

Thursday’s protest was organised by the Labour Party and major unions, including the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) led by Said Iqbal.

“Workers rallied in the capital, with similar demonstrations in Batam, Surabaya, Medan and other industrial hubs, calling for an end to outsourcing and mass layoffs, and for reforms to labour taxes and higher non-taxable income thresholds,” he said in a statement.

Workers also called for parliament to pass a labour Bill outside the government’s controversial “Omnibus Law”, a 2020 reform that bundled dozens of regulations to attract investment and jobs but was criticised for weakening labour rights.

Unions urged lawmakers to approve a long-delayed asset seizure Bill to tackle corruption and to revise electoral rules ahead of the 2029 polls.

The rallies were held in 38 provinces nationwide.

Meanwhile, Jakarta police deployed more than 4,531 personnel, including riot police and army units, to secure the parliament complex.

Traffic diversions were prepared in case crowds blocked main roads, police spokesperson Commissioner  Ade Ary Syam Indradi said, urging demonstrators to stay peaceful and avoid toll roads.

— BERNAMA

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