Workers Set to Protest at Labour Ministry Tomorrow in Jakarta
Jakarta—The Indonesian Confederation of Labour Unions (KSPI), together with the Metal Workers Federation (FSPMI) and the Labour Party, will hold a demonstration on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The protest will be concentrated in front of the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) office in Jakarta.
“On 4 March, which is tomorrow, Wednesday, FSPMI together with the Labour Party will hold an action at the Ministry of Manpower office. The number of participants is estimated at 500 to 1,000 people as we are still observing Ramadan,” said Said Iqbal during a press conference on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Originally, the demonstration was also planned to take place in front of the People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR RI) building. However, this plan was cancelled as parliament is currently in recess.
“This action should have been held in front of the DPR RI building as well. But the DPR RI is in recess, with no members or leadership present in the building, including tomorrow on 4 March. Therefore, the planned action at the DPR has been cancelled and will proceed only at the Ministry of Manpower,” he said.
“We hope that protest participants can be received by the Minister of Manpower or the Deputy Minister of Manpower. The protesters come from the Greater Jakarta region, Karawang, and Purwakarta,” he added.
The first issue being raised is opposition to the importation of 105,000 pickup units from India. According to KSPI, this policy has the potential to erode employment opportunities in the domestic automotive sector.
“Due to the policy of importing 105,000 pickup units from India, the potential to recruit over 10,000 workers has been lost. Contract employees who could have been retained are no longer able to be hired, ultimately resulting in dismissals,” said Iqbal.
He refuted claims that production of certain vehicles cannot be conducted domestically. Iqbal cited several brands that already have production facilities in Indonesia.
“It is not true that Suzuki or Hino, for example, would have to be produced in Thailand; that is false. Suzuki Carry is produced in Tambun and Cakung. Hino 4x4 or 4x2 is produced in Purwakarta,” he said.
The second issue highlighted is the payment of Eid allowances (Tunjangan Hari Raya—THR). KSPI believes many companies have failed to meet their payment obligations despite approaching the deadline.
“Even at 17 days before the THR payment deadline, many companies have not made payments. Our proposal was that payments be made 21 days before, but this has not happened. Some companies are threatening not to renew contracts. In the case of PT Pakarin in Mojokerto, 2,500 workers will certainly not receive THR. Sritex has promised THR payments for a second consecutive year without delivering,” said Iqbal.
Beyond the issue of payment, KSPI is also demanding that THR not be subject to income tax, as it believes this burdens workers.
“We are asking the Finance Minister not to impose income tax on THR. THR is used entirely for travel expenses, purchasing clothes and Eid necessities. When THR is combined with wages, it becomes subject to progressive taxation. Therefore, we once again urge that THR not be subject to taxation,” he stressed.
The third demand is the abolition of labour outsourcing and rejection of low wages. Iqbal recalled a promise made by President Prabowo Subianto during the May Day celebration on 1 May 2025 at the National Monument, which has not been implemented to date.
“Abolish outsourcing, reject low wages—these were promises made by President Prabowo Subianto on May Day, 1 May 2025. But to this day, no policy has been implemented. Moreover, the allowance coefficient of 0.9 in setting the minimum wage has been reduced to 0.7. This feels like a promise of paradise that has not been delivered,” concluded Said Iqbal.