Said Iqbal Joins Government, Dasco Says KSPI Will Criticise Even Harder
Jakarta - The inclusion of Confederation of Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPI) President Said Iqbal in the government has prompted questions from some labour circles regarding the union’s independence in voicing its members’ interests. Responding to this, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad asserted that Iqbal’s new position actually strengthens the communication channel between workers and the government.
According to Dasco, the involvement of a labour figure in the government does not mean the workers’ movement loses its critical edge. On the contrary, the government now has a more open space for dialogue to receive various inputs regarding employment issues.
“It was conveyed earlier that the president is now taking part in the government, not that KSPI becomes weak, but rather KSPI will be even more vocal in providing input to the government, offering creative ideas and constructive criticism for the welfare of Indonesian workers,” Dasco said while attending the 2026 KSPI National Working Meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The statement was made amidst various challenges facing workers, ranging from the threat of layoffs in several industrial sectors to global economic pressures that are beginning to affect the domestic business world. “We have had many discussions with Bung Said Iqbal and with the Minister of Manpower. There is nothing that cannot be resolved if we sit down together and talk about it,” he added.
Dasco also affirmed that the government continues to respect workers’ rights to express their opinions, including through demonstrations, as long as they are conducted in an orderly manner and in accordance with regulations. “If occasionally they need to voice their aspirations on the streets, as long as it is orderly, there is no problem,” he said.
On the same occasion, Said Iqbal revealed that from the outset he had requested that democratic space be maintained even though he has been entrusted as the President’s Special Advisor for Employment and Workers’ Welfare. He believes that differing views are still necessary in a democratic system so that policies truly reflect the needs of the people. “I always convey proposals and suggestions to Bang Dasco: ‘Please provide space for democracy. Allow differences amidst our similarities’,” Iqbal stated.
Iqbal also acknowledged that Dasco was one of the figures who encouraged him to join the government. However, before accepting the mandate, he first sought assurance that he would still be able to openly convey criticism and input. “The first person who, by the president’s policy mandate, made me a special advisor to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for employment and workers’ welfare, was Bang Dasco,” Iqbal said. “I thank Bang Dasco. He gave me the mandate, saying ‘Just join in,’ and I replied, ‘Ready. But please safeguard democracy.’ He answered, ‘Ready, we will safeguard democracy. The President also wants democracy. That is where you will convey these matters.’”