Charles Honoris Hopes Labour Bill Will Be Discussed in Commission IX: We Have More Insight on the Issues
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Charles Honoris, hopes that the Labour Bill will continue to be discussed in Commission IX, not in the Legislation Body.
“Yesterday, there was talk that this Bill would be discussed in Baleg. But if it’s us in Commission IX, we certainly hope that the discussion will still be carried out in Commission IX,” said Charles when met at GOR Otista on Sunday (3/5/2026).
Regarding how far the discussion has progressed, Charles said that until now they are still awaiting confirmation from the DPR leadership on which legislative body will be tasked with discussing the formation of the law.
Charles explained the reason why the Labour Bill is important to be discussed in Commission IX, considering it aligns with their duties and functions.
It is known that Commission IX is the commission that handles labour issues.
“Indeed (Commission IX) handles labour, labour issues, including our partnership with the Ministry of Manpower. So, of course, we should have more insight and knowledge regarding these issues,” said the PDI-P politician.
KSPI President Said Iqbal emphasised that his side strongly rejects the discussion of the Labour Bill through the Legislation Body (Baleg).
He recalled that such a mechanism has the potential to repeat the pattern of discussing the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, which was deemed to have minimal participation and was rushed.
“We firmly reject the discussion of the Labour Bill in Baleg. Do not let it happen again like the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, which was discussed hastily without broad participation and without in-depth academic studies,” said Said Iqbal in his statement on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
First, discussion in Baleg has the potential to be carried out hastily to chase political targets, without involving broad public participation and without in-depth academic papers.
Second, there is concern that certain business groups will take advantage of the Baleg space to push back the omnibus law approach that disadvantages workers.
Third, KSPI and the Labour Party remind the importance of transparency in the legislative process.
According to him, the Baleg mechanism, which is relatively closed, opens up the potential for practices that can influence the substance of the discussion.
“We certainly hope that the DPR RI will maintain its integrity. We believe Baleg will not betray workers’ rights, but that potential must be anticipated from the start,” he said.
“It would be more appropriate if it is discussed through a working committee or special committee in Commission IX of the DPR RI, so that the process is transparent, participatory, and truly involves all stakeholders, including trade unions,” explained Said Iqbal.