Said Iqbal arrives at the Palace, confirms appointment as Presidential Advisor
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The President of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labour Party, Said Iqbal, arrived at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday afternoon. Arriving at 3:48 PM WIB dressed in a black suit, black songkok, and a blue tie, Said confirmed that he is to be inaugurated as the Special Presidential Advisor for Labour.
“Today, I received an invitation last night from Lt. Col. Teddy regarding the inauguration as the Special Presidential Advisor to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for the labour sector. According to Presidential Regulation Number 1s7 of 2024 or 106 of 2025, the position is equivalent to that of a minister,” Said stated.
Said expressed his readiness to champion the Labour Bill (RUU Ketenagakerjaan) from within the government following his appointment. He noted that the Bill remains one of his primary priorities in this new role. He explained that the decision to join the administration was made following discussions with the KSPI and labour circles.
According to him, this move is part of an effort to fight for workers’ interests through governmental channels in addition to external movements. “After discussions within the KSPI and among our labour comrades, we decided to fight from the inside. President Prabowo Subianto’s platform of supporting the common people—including labourers, farmers, fishermen, and teachers—encouraged us to work alongside him to provide input and maintain balance,” he said.
His presence within the government is expected to provide a labour-sector perspective during the drafting and analysis of policies. Said also emphasised that his involvement in the government will not diminish the trade union’s critical stance on various labour issues. “I am taking the initiative to strive and exert effort to provide balance for the causes labourers wish to fight for. Democratically, this will not reduce our critical capacity regarding labour issues,” he added.
Previously, the Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, had signalled that Said Iqbal would join the Red and White Cabinet. Answering journalists at the Presidential Palace Complex on Thursday, Prasetyo stated that discussions regarding the appointment were ongoing, noting that the position would likely relate to Said Iqbal’s long-standing focus on labour and employment issues.