Palace Reveals Reasons for Appointing Said Iqbal as Special Presidential Advisor

The Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, has revealed the reasoning behind the appointment of labour figure Said Iqbal as the Special Presidential Advisor for Labour and Worker Welfare. This step is expected to serve as a more direct and effective communication channel between the government and the labour sector.

Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace, Prasety<0xA0>tyo stated that the appointment is based on Said Iqbal’s track record of actively advocating for various labour and employment issues. “As we all know, Mr Said Iqbal has a proven track record of involvement in fighting for labour issues, particularly regarding workers’ rights,” Prasetyo said on Monday (8/6).

According to the Minister, President Prabowo Subianto hopes that Said Iqbal’s presence within the government circle will strengthen communication with labour groups. The government intends for the various aspirations currently developing among workers to be conveyed and discussed more intensely.

Prasetyo explained that the appointment is also related to the idea of forming a Labour Welfare Council, which emerged during the 2025 International Workers’ Day (May Day) commemorations. After conducting a study, the government determined that the objectives of such a council could be achieved through other mechanisms deemed more effective.

“The President subsequently decided to appoint a prominent labour figure as his advisor in the field of labour and worker welfare,” he added.

Through this appointment, the government hopes that the relationship between the state and workers will not be trapped in convoluted procedures. The presence of a special advisor from the labour movement is expected to create a space for dialogue that is more open, rapid, and responsive to various employment issues.

Prasetyo emphasised that the core objective remains the same: to fight for worker welfare and ensure that labour aspirations receive government attention, which is particularly vital amidst the ongoing economic challenges. “In essence, what is expected is the same: for communication to become much more fluid, much more intense, and less bureaucratic, as we work together to advocate for what our labour comrades have long hoped for, especially in the current economic situation,” he concluded.