Dasco Asserts Said Iqbal's Government Role Will Not Weaken KSPI

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has asserted that the involvement of the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, in the government will not weaken the labour organisation. He stated that this move would instead make KSPI more vocal in providing input to the government.

“It was conveyed earlier that the president’s participation in the government does not weaken KSPI, but rather makes KSPI more assertive in giving input to the government, offering creative ideas and constructive criticism for the welfare of Indonesian workers and labourers,” Dasco said during a speech at the KSPI 2026 National Working Meeting at Hotel Acacia, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (22/6/2026).

Dasco noted that he has engaged in extensive discussions with Said Iqbal regarding issues faced by workers, often together with the Minister of Manpower, Yassierli. He explained that Iqbal’s new role simplifies communication between labour groups and the government, making it easier to address all workers’ issues.

“We have had many discussions with Bung Said Iqbal and with the Minister of Manpower. There is nothing we cannot resolve if we sit down together and talk about it,” Dasco explained.

Furthermore, Dasco assured that he has never prohibited workers from expressing their aspirations through demonstrations, provided they are conducted in an orderly manner. “If occasionally they need to voice their aspirations on the streets, as long as it is orderly, there is no problem,” he added.

Previously, Said Iqbal also stated that KSPI would continue to offer criticism and suggestions to the government despite his new position. He emphasised that democratic space must remain open. “I always convey proposals and suggestions to Bang Dasco, ‘Please provide space for democracy. Allow differences amidst the similarities’,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal acknowledged that it was Dasco who invited him to join the government. He revealed that Dasco guaranteed his freedom to express views because President Prabowo Subianto highly prioritises democracy. “The first person given the mandate by the president as a special advisor to the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the field of labour and worker welfare, was due to Bang Dasco’s role,” Iqbal clarified. “I thank Bang Dasco. He gave me the mandate, ‘Alright, join in,’ ‘Ready. But please safeguard democracy,’ ‘Ready, we will safeguard democracy. The President also wants democracy. That is where you convey your views’,” he concluded.