DPR Commission IX Highlights Heavy Responsibilities for Said Iqbal: From Wages to Redundancies

Said Iqbal has been inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto as the Special Advisor to the President for Labour and Workers. The Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), Yahya Zaini, outlined several labour issues that must become primary focuses during his new tenure.

“Several important tasks that require the attention of the President’s special advisor in the field of labour include the issue of foreign workers, fixed-term employment contracts, wage issues, and redundancies,” Yahya told reporters on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

Yahya expressed hope that Said could provide comprehensive advice to the President, especially regarding planned amendments to the Labour Law. Yahya himself welcomed the appointment of Said Iqbal, viewing it as evidence that President Prabowo is accommodating the aspirations of the workforce.

“Because the President will receive original input regarding labour issues, specifically concerning labourers and workers,” Yahya explained. He added that the President intends to strengthen labour issues as a vital component of national stability, particularly amidst uncertain economic and geopolitical developments.

President Prabowo Subianto appointed Said Iqbal as the Special Advisor to the President for Labour and Workers’ Welfare. Said shared his reasons for accepting the presidential assignment, stating that Prabowo’s platform of supporting the common people—including labourers, farmers, fishermen, and teachers—motivated him to provide input and maintain balance.

According to Said, while there are existing channels for providing the President with perspectives from capital owners, there has been a lack of input from the perspective of the working class. “Because we always see clearly through figures such as Mr Luhut, Mr Airlangga, Mr Bahlil, and Mr Rosan, who provide much input regarding capital ownership. However, there has been none from the labour side,” he said.