INDONESIA FORMS NEW LABOUR COUNCIL TO RESHAPE WORKERS’ RIGHTS

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, May 1 (Bernama) --In a move that could reshape employment rights in Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto has announced the establishment of a National Labour Welfare Council, marking a pivotal step for workers’ welfare and justice in the country.

Addressing a massive crowd of over 200,000 people at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on International Workers’ Day, Thursday, Prabowo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening workers’ rights and promoting fairer labour laws.

“Their task will be to study the conditions of workers and advise the President on which laws are inadequate or fail to protect workers. They will provide feedback to me, and we will promptly make improvements,” he said, referring to the newly-formed council.

Prabowo also reiterated his administration’s focus on expanding access to affordable healthcare, which is in line with his broader vision to improve the welfare of all citizens.

“We will work hard so that every Indonesian citizen receives the best possible healthcare and the most affordable medicines,” he said.

In response to longstanding demands from trade unions, Prabowo outlined plans to abolish outsourcing, pass the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill, revise the 2003 Labour Law, implement a living wage, pass an asset seizure law to fight corruption, and form a task force on employment termination.

He confirmed these proposals would be seriously reviewed by relevant ministries, signalling a significant shift towards labour reform in Indonesia.

Prabowo also made a bold commitment to swift action, saying the government would quickly establish the task force and take steps to protect maritime and fisheries workers.

With an eye on the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill, he expressed hope that it would be finalised within three months, potentially benefiting millions of Indonesian workers.

-- BERNAMA