Appointed as Presidential Advisor, Said Iqbal Vows to Prepare Analysis for Decent Wage Increases

The President of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI) and Chairman of the Labour Party, Said Iqbal, has officially assumed a new mandate as the Special Presidential Advisor for Labour Affairs and Welfare. Following his inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (8/6/2026), Said emphasised his commitment to immediately drafting policy analyses regarding more equitable wage increases.

This move is taken as a strategic response to wage issues that frequently trigger waves of labour protests. Said stated that his presence within the President’s strategic circle aims to provide preventive solutions through in-depth studies before wage controversies escalate.

Said Iqbal highlighted the importance of reviewing the variables that determine wages. According to him, the wage calculation formula should not merely be about figures but must reflect the reality of labourers’ living requirements in the field.

“Hopefully, with my entry into the Presidential Special Advisory role, we will create policy analyses regarding the magnitude of wage increases and their impact on labour absorption,” Said told the media.

One notable point in Said Iqbal’s vision is the redefinition of the ‘housing’ component within the decent wage structure. He argued that wage standards should enable workers to achieve home ownership rather than just being able to afford rent.

“Regarding the housing factor, the standard applied in decent wages should reflect the ability to buy a house, not just rent. The President has stated that housing is one of the priority programmes. Such matters are open for reassessment,” he asserted.

Said Iqbal ensured that the analyses produced will continue to consider the sustainability of the business world. He acknowledged that economic growth can only be achieved if company operations remain stable and undisturbed.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi revealed the reasoning behind the appointment of the labour figure, noting that Said Iqbal officially joins the ‘Red and White Cabinet’ under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to manage labour issues.