Indonesian Metalworkers to Rally at Parliament, Backing Prabowo’s Policies

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Around 5,000 workers from the Greater Jakarta area, affiliated with the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers' Unions, FSPMI, and the Labor Party, plan to stage a demonstration outside the House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2025. The protest aims to present 10 demands, including support for President Prabowo Subianto’s pro-people policies.

"We are bringing forward 10 key demands to be voiced before Parliament. These demands reflect the aspirations of millions of workers in Indonesia who seek tangible changes in policies affecting public welfare," said Labor Party President Said Iqbal in a written statement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025).

Among the 10 demands, Said highlighted the call for abolishing the outsourcing system, rejecting increases in BPJS Health insurance contributions and additional private insurance fees, and pushing for the immediate enactment of a new labor law as mandated by the Constitutional Court.

Other demands include stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety (K3) regulations and the swift passage of the Domestic Workers' Protection Bill into law. Additionally, workers reject the proposed retirement age of 59 and call for the implementation of agrarian reform. "We also urge the government to achieve food sovereignty and immediately halt food imports," Said added.

Said also stated that workers are demanding the dismissal of any ministers who permit the construction of a sea wall and are calling for the DPR to establish a special committee (Pansus) to investigate the project. Lastly, the labor unions reaffirmed their support for President Prabowo Subianto’s pro-people policies.

"This demonstration is expected to strengthen the labor movement in addressing various employment issues. We hope that through this action, policymakers will hear and respond to the voices of workers, leading to meaningful change that prioritizes their well-being," Said emphasized.

A Show of Appreciation for Prabowo

Meanwhile, Riden Hatam Aziz, President of the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers' Unions (FSPMI), explained that the demonstration will also commemorate the 26th anniversary of FSPMI, a member of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI). Around 5,000 workers are expected to participate.

"Beyond Jakarta, similar protests will take place simultaneously in several regions, including Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, Medan, Gorontalo, and Batam," Riden said.

He added that the demonstration is an annual tradition held during FSPMI’s anniversary to reaffirm the labor movement’s commitment to social justice and workers’ welfare.

"This action serves as a platform to voice labor-related concerns while also expressing appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s pro-people policies," Riden concluded.