WR News Writer 
International Labor Day was the day that President Prabowo Subianto announced the National Labor Welfare Council as an initiative for improving workers’ rights within Indonesia. Speaking to thousands of workers at Monas in Central Jakarta, he said,
“As a gift for all of you, I will immediately form the National Labor Welfare Council.”
The new council will
include labor representatives from across Indonesia. Its main function will be to advise the president on federal statutory and regulatory changes that do not benefit workers. The president also affirmed his government to remove outsourcing as a matter of interest with the workers but at the same time not injuring the investment climate in the country.
Recently, he has established a Layoff Task Force to investigate all forms of unfair dismissal. He also pledged to fast-track legislation related to domestic work and fisheries and maritime work.
Labor unions, including the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), supported the president’s plans and raised six key demands, such as the end of outsourcing, a Layoff Task Force, and better protection for workers by updating laws.
It will open a new page in improving working conditions as well as fair treatment of workers in Indonesia.
