Labour Minister Asserts Labour Bill is in Progress, Describes Protests as Part of Dynamics

The Minister of Manpower, Yassermli, has emphasised that the revision of the Labour Bill is still in progress. The House of Representatives (DPR), as the drafters of the regulation, is still actively gathering aspirations from relevant parties.

“Yes, first of all, the process is still ongoing. The draft bill already exists. We from the government have submitted the Government Initiative List (DIM), and our colleagues from the DPR are also currently continuing to gather aspirations from Apindo (the Indonesian Employers Association) and from labour unions. This is still in progress,” Yassierli told reporters at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (17/9/2026).

Yassierli noted that if labourers protest the contents of the draft, it is a natural part of the legislative dynamics. He stated that feedback from labourers can be submitted to the DPR as the drafting body.

“Yes, this is part of the dynamics. It is fine; we are always continuing, and if there is input, it can be channelled through the government or the DPR,” he said.

Previously, the Great Coalition of Indonesian Labour Struggle (KBPBI) expressed disappointment regarding the draft of the Labour Protection Bill drafted by the DPR RI. The draft is considered to be far from the proposals previously submitted by the labour coalition.

The President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, stated that over the past four months, labourers have pursued diplomatic routes by building communication with various parties, including the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo).

This step was taken to ensure that the Labour Protection Bill becomes a law that provides justice for all stakeholders. However, after reviewing the draft obtained from the DPR, he stated that the labour community is deeply disappointed.

Consequently, the KBPBI is still providing an opportunity for the government and the DPR to respond to labour aspirations regarding the Bill until 22 September 2026. If no response is received, the option of large-scale demonstrations, involving bringing labour masses to Jakarta, is one of the choices currently being considered.

“But with the draft we have received from the DPR RI, it is very, very disappointing for the labour class. Therefore, friends, we will continue to try until 22 September,” Andi Gani said in an official statement, as quoted on Thursday (17/9).

“It appears that the option of a large-scale action in Jakarta will be a choice for the Great Coalition,” he added firmly.