Indonesia Braces for Massive Labor Protest Over Draft Law

Approximately 50,000 laborers from across Indonesia are scheduled to hold a large-scale protest in Jakarta on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The demonstration, organized by a coalition calling itself the "Indonesian Laborers' Great Struggle Coalition" (KBPBI), aims to voice workers' aspirations regarding the draft Labor Protection Law (RUU Perlindungan Ketenagakerjaan). Andi Gani Nena Wea, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI), stated that nearly 50,000 laborers are expected to participate. Participants will primarily come from West Java, Banten, and DKI Jakarta, traveling to the capital by motorcycle. The protest is planned to commence at 10:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) from the Semanggi area, moving towards the UOB area before Grand Indonesia. Andi Gani refuted information suggesting the Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout as the assembly point, clarifying that Semanggi is the initial gathering spot, and a delegation will await at UOB. Concurrently, at around 9:00 AM, several labor confederation leaders are scheduled to meet with the Chief Presidential Staff, Dudung Abdurachman, at Bina Graha. They will submit a petition and workers' aspirations to be forwarded to President Prabowo Subianto. Andi Gani emphasized that this protest is a "very, very last resort" after four months of diplomatic efforts. He also denied any connection to the two-year anniversary of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, asserting that the relationship between laborers and President Prabowo remains good, with the president being a leader who has consistently opened dialogue channels. The petition to be submitted to the Palace is described as a form of communication, akin to a child sending a letter to a father, with no menacing or threatening undertones. The demonstration is expected to be brief, with a target dissolution time before 1:00 PM WIB. After the delegation presents their aspirations and receives a response from the Palace, the crowd will be dispersed. To prevent politicization and avoid any perception of preferential treatment, participants will not enter the HI roundabout area. The KBPBI's demands encompass 11 key issues in the draft Labor Protection Law, including wages, outsourcing, social security, fixed-term employment contracts (PKWT), platform workers, severance pay, menstrual leave, and internships. Andi Gani acknowledged that positive developments have occurred in discussions on several points between laborers, the government, and the House of Representatives (DPR). He expressed appreciation for National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo's efforts in facilitating a democratic avenue for laborers to express their aspirations, provided the demonstration remains safe and peaceful. Information source: Detik