Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Said Iqbal, President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and head of the Labor Party, announced a two-day nationwide labor strike, tentatively scheduled between November 19 and December 24, 2024. The protest, which could escalate if demands are not met, is intended to pressure the government to comply with a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling affecting minimum wage policies.
Iqbal expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s alleged failure to implement the MK’s recent decision, which deemed parts of the 2023 Job Creation Law unconstitutional. Specifically, he criticized the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) for allegedly pushing for new wage policies that contradict the MK ruling.
“We are ready to extend the strike if the government disregards the MK’s decision,” Iqbal said during a press conference on November 4, 2024.
The Constitutional Court’s decision ruled 21 provisions in the Job Creation Law as unconstitutional, nullifying their enforceability. These provisions, including those under Government Regulation No. 51/2023, impact wage-setting mechanisms. According to Iqbal, the court’s judgment means that the disputed articles are no longer valid, and any attempt by government officials to bypass the court’s decision would violate Indonesia’s constitution.
Iqbal also took issue with a recent meeting between Apindo and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, accusing the two of bypassing constitutional protocols by discussing wage policies outside the authority of the Ministry of Labor. “We urge the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) and Attorney General’s Office to investigate this meeting. Apindo should only be in contact with the Ministry of Labor,” he asserted.
The strike, expected to involve five million workers from at least 15,000 factories across Indonesia, is planned as a national protest rather than a formal work stoppage as outlined in Law No. 13/2003. The demonstration will follow the framework of Law No. 9/1998, which regulates public protest rights, and Law No. 21/2000, which outlines unions’ roles in organizing such actions.
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Iqbal emphasized that the strike will be a unified demonstration by labor unions, with support from students and the broader community. “Should the strike occur, the government and Apindo will be accountable for failing to respect the MK’s ruling and uphold the constitution,” he said.
As the labor unions finalize strike plans, Iqbal cautioned government leaders to consider the consequences of overlooking judicial mandates, adding that worker support remains strong for the upcoming action.
(Becky)
