Chief of Police Delivers President's Message on National Unity to East Java Workers
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo visited thousands of workers in East Java today as part of his Ramadan safari schedule. During the event, General Sigit conveyed an important message from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the strengthening of national unity and cohesion as a foundation for facing global economic challenges.
After the event, General Sigit revealed to journalists that his visit to Surabaya represented special attention from KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea. He noted that East Java holds a strategic position as Indonesia’s largest labour base.
“To be frank, the President (Andi Gani) has repeatedly stated that I, as Kapolri and Chairman of the Advisory Council, must visit East Java. So every time we meet, he always ‘argues’ with me to arrange my schedule to visit East Java,” said General Sigit.
He added that today’s visit answered his long-standing curiosity.
“Today I finally discovered why I had to come to East Java. It turns out that East Java’s KSPSI is the largest across all KSPSI structures. I am very pleased to meet directly with all my colleagues,” he added.
Turning to national issues, General Sigit outlined serious challenges resulting from escalating Middle East conflicts, which have driven global oil prices above USD 100 per barrel. He emphasised that in such difficult circumstances, solidarity between government and workers is key.
“The President always emphasises that in facing uncertain global conditions, we must unite. All citizens and national elements must be cohesive so we can stand on our own feet,” he stated firmly.
The Police Chief explained various diplomatic efforts undertaken by the government to protect domestic industry, including securing zero-per-cent export tariffs for textile and footwear commodities. This step was taken to ensure industries remain operational and workers are protected from layoffs.
“The downstream and industrialisation policies promoted by the President aim to create new employment opportunities. We must support this policy together so that our shared home remains strong and workers prosper,” explained General Sigit.
General Sigit emphasised that the key to facing the crisis is unity and maintaining market stakeholder confidence. He called on workers, particularly the KSPSI family, to be at the forefront in maintaining a conducive investment climate in Indonesia.
“For investment to come in, trust is needed. I thank my worker colleagues who understand this well. We never prevent workers from fighting for their rights, but industry must also continue to grow because that is our shared home. If industry is healthy, workers will certainly prosper,” he said.
As a concrete step of police support, General Sigit ensured that the Police Labour Desk will continue to be strengthened and developed from headquarters level, regional commands, down to district police stations in industrial areas. This desk is dedicated to helping resolve industrial problems.
“We want to place matters in their proper perspective. If workers have rights, those rights must be provided. Utilise this desk for guidance and assistance,” the Police Chief stated firmly.
Beyond legal matters, the Police Chief also gave specific instructions to the Police Health Chief Inspector General Asep Hendradiana to open all police hospitals to workers.
“All worker colleagues can receive services at police hospitals with the same level of service. I have already requested our health personnel to provide maximum service to worker friends,” he concluded.