Labour coalition ready to oversee fair Manpower Bill deliberation

The President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, stated that the formation of a large coalition for the Indonesian labour struggle aims to oversee the Labour Bill Draft to ensure justice for workers while maintaining certainty for the business world.

“We do not want the discussions to be rushed overnight. We choose dialogue and to sit together to find solutions,” said Andi Gemma in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

A total of 16 confederations and 147 trade union federations declared the large coalition for the Indonesian labour struggle in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/7).

The coalition, which represents approximately 90 per cent of the national labour strength, has requested that the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) open spaces for dialogue and guarantee that the drafting of regulations is conducted transparently and without haste.

Andi Gani continued that the coalition has immediately formed a technical team that began working this week to prepare studies, draft concepts, and conduct communication and lobbying with both the government and the DPR.

“We want to know who is drafting the academic paper. The information we received is that it originates from the DPR’s Expertise Body. Therefore, we request that everything be opened transparently so as not to cause controversy,” he said.

Andi Gani noted that the government has the opportunity to present regulations that favour all parties. He cited the government’s decision to lower industrial gas prices as evidence of a willingness to assist the business world while simultaneously protecting job sustainability.

He is also optimistic that the presence of several labour figures within the government can strengthen the delivery of workers’ aspirations. “I salute Bung Jumhur because he has not lost his idealism. We will also utilise all the communication channels we have, both to the President and to the figures currently in government, so that the labour struggle can be fought from various sides,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of KSPSI, who is also the Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat, stated that he remains within the ranks of the labour struggle despite his current position in the government. According to him, his position does not change his commitment to fighting for the interests of workers.

“The point is, I and my colleagues are certainly of one mind, one idea, and one strength. So, I am not merely participating, but I am at the forefront with my colleagues in fighting for labour interests,” said Jumhor.

Similarly, the President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Labour Unions (KSBSI), Elly Rosita Silaban, conveyed that the formation of the coalition is an expression of the unity of the labour movement to ensure the birth of a Labour Law that protects workers’ rights.

“This coalition was born because we share the same goal, which is to oversee the birth of a fair Labour Law. Differences between organisations are not an obstacle,” said Elly.

The 16 confederations involved in the coalition include KSPSI AGN, KSPSI Jumhur Hidayat, KSPSI Yorrys, KSBSI, the KASBI Confederation, the Indonesian Workers’ Union Association (ASPEK Indonesia), SBSI 92, and others.