Indonesian Labor Leaders Back President Prabowo Subianto, Push for Immediate Action on Labor and Asset Bills

Representatives of workers’ unions have conveyed their full support, while also raising several important issues on laborers and workers in Indonesia during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (01/09).

The meeting also discussed key strategic agenda,  including the Labor Bill, Asset Confiscation Bill, and tax reform.

A representative of the Indonesian Workers Movement and President of the All-Indonesian Workers Confederation (KSPSI) Andi Gani Nena Wea emphasized the workers’ commitment to stand alongside President Prabowo Subianto. He stressed that their support includes supporting peaceful rallies, while strongly rejecting anarchic actions that could threaten national stability.

“First, the Indonesian Workers Movement fully supports President Prabowo Subianto. We affirm that we are not behind the President; we are beside the President. And certainly we support peaceful demonstrations. We also emphasize that we are against rioters who try to disturb political and economic stability in Indonesia,” said Andi Gani.

Andi also mentioned that the President underscored that democratic space will remain protected and committed to accelerating discussions on two bills highlighted by workers.

“The President has pledged that democratic space will be safeguarded, the Asset Confiscation Bill and the Labor Bill, as requested by workers, will be immediately discussed. He has asked Speaker of the House of Representatives and the parties for immediate discussions,” he added.

Echoing a similar sentiment, President of the Indonesian Workers Confederation (KSPI) Said Iqbal added that rallies must still have space as a channel for the aspirations of the grassroots, adding that such actions must be constitutional and non-violent.

“We believe that rallies should continue to be allowed, as the remain the primary avenue for marginalized groups such as laborers, farmers, fishermen, students, and the underprivileged to voice aspirations when ‘formal institutions’ are slow or unwilling to listen. Certainly, these rallies must be constructive, constitutional, non-violent, and not anarchic. At this point, the President agrees,” said Iqbal, adding that President Prabowo responded positively to inputs from the workers’ union representatives.

“President Prabowo Subianto, including religious leaders, students, youth organizations, and other invited guests responded well, and the atmosphere (of the meeting) was very relaxed,” he added. (BPMI Setpres) (EST/EP)