House Intervenes on Discrimination, Tobacco Rules, Telkom Layoffs, and Air Force Jet Purchase
The House of Representatives (DPR) addressed a range of political issues on Friday, from alleged discrimination in Bali to the modernisation of the Indonesian Air Force. Member of Commission XIII, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, called on the Directorate General of Immigration to investigate reports of discrimination against Indonesian citizens by the Entourage Run community in Canggu, Bali. She stated that her office had received information, which went viral on social media, regarding alleged restrictions that limited participation in the running event to foreign nationals while barring Indonesians.
In a separate matter, Deputy Chair of Commission IV, Panggah Susanto, warned that the implementation of Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, a derivative of the Health Law, must not reduce the absorption of locally grown tobacco. He urged a comprehensive review of provisions concerning tar and nicotine levels and standardised cigarette packaging, arguing that the current rules risk harming local tobacco farmers and potentially increasing tobacco imports.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the DPR will oversee a tripartite agreement between the Telkom Indonesia Workers’ Union (Sekar Telkom), the Danantara investment authority, and Telkom’s board of directors. The agreement aims to prevent any layoffs during the company’s streamlining process. The DPR made this commitment after receiving a visit from Sekar Telkom to hear their aspirations and seek solutions that protect workers’ rights during the corporate transformation.
On the defence front, the Ministry of Defence’s purchase of 12 M-346 Block 20 jets from Italy was highlighted. The aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo, serve as advanced trainer jets with light combat capabilities, featuring modern avionics and multirole weapon systems. The contract was signed at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono. Deputy Chair of Commission I, Dave Laksono, assessed that the acquisition is part of the government’s phased and sustainable defence modernisation effort, emphasising the critical role of trainer jets in preparing pilots to operate more modern fighter aircraft.