Labor Union Leaders Reaffirm Support for President Jokowi

The President of KSPSI Andi Gani and the President of KSPI Said Iqbal together with President Jokowi, deliver press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (30/9). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

President of Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI) Andi Gani and President of Confederation of Indonesian Labor Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbal met with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (30/9).

“As the leaders of Indonesia’s two largest labor confederations, we give our full support for Pak Jokowi,” KSPSI Leader Andi Gani said to the reporters, adding that the KSPSI also hoped that no party would hamper the President’s inauguration.

“We say that the two largest labor confederations in Indonesia are supporting Pak Jokowi. There would be no unconstitutional actions allowed to disrupt the President’s inauguration,” Andi said.

All Indonesian workers, he continued, will work hand in hand in order to safeguard the constitution and to protect the Republic of Indonesia.

The KSPSI leader also called on workers across the country, especially those who join the KSPI and the KSPSI to deal with the latest situation in a peaceful manner. “We appeal to workers across the nation to remain calm and be vigilant because there are parties out there who are trying to persuade the workers to take part in the actions,” he said.

In the meantime, the KSPI leader said that in principle, the Indonesian labor movement will focus on significant issues for labor struggle, including rejecting labor laws amendment that will harm teachers or labor union itself.

“Every element should propose ideas in a constitutional manner and they are expected to avoid any kinds of violence in conveying ideas, so it would not harm the people,” Said said.

Said went on to say that the KSPI hoped that following the inauguration on 20 October, under the administration of President Jokowi and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, the Government would respect the mandate of the people.

“Workers are part of the people who have an interest in communicating several ideas to the President and to ensure that the Government will run in a constitutional and peaceful manner,” he added.

According to the KSPI leader, President Jokowi will consider the input they have provided, including on the possibility that the Manpower Ministry will be headed by someone from a labor union. (MAY / JAY / ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman/Mia Medyana