Teguh Adi Prasetyo, Wahroni, Jakarta – Thousands of workers rallied in Jakarta to mark International Workers' Day (May Day). They presented various demands, including repealing the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, the end of outsourcing and low wages, and expressing solidarity with Palestine.
Ahmad Supriadi, Chairman of the Tangerang Regency Branch Council (DPC) of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI), said May Day 2024 provided an opportunity to advocate for various rights and the welfare of workers, which they feel have not been fully realized.
To commemorate International Workers' Day this year, they marched from Tangerang to the Horse Statue in Jakarta, with 3,000 demonstrators from various labor unions in Tangerang Raya.
The workers voiced several demands, including the repeal of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, which they believe is unfavorable to workers.
Other demands included the repeal of Government Regulation (PP) No. 36 of 2002 together with PP No. 51 of 2023 concerning wages. "In addition, we demand wages based on national industrial qualifications (instead of regional economic conditions)," Ahmad said.
He also said that many companies in Tangerang were conducting massive layoffs.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (SPSI) in Karawang, West Java, sent 5,000 workers to join the protest in Jakarta.
Vice Chairman of SPSI Karawang, Suparno, ensured that there would be no coercion for workers who were on duty to join the demonstration.
SPSI Karawang will commemorate May Day in the Karawang area on Thursday. The activities will include social activities such as blood donation, food bazaars, mass circumcisions for children, and orphanage assistance.
Meanwhile, the Jakarta Metro Police prepared 3,454 personnel to secure the May Day protest. Security measures were implemented at several crowded points, such as the Horse Statue area and Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Network (JSO) and the Confederation of Prosperous Labor Unions (KSBSI) held a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine, coinciding with the May Day demonstration in Jakarta.
"We also want to show that workers care about Palestine. Not only today, but workers have also previously held demonstrations for Palestine in several places," said Yumana (45), a member of KSBSI for the Garment and Textile sector, speaking to Beritasatu.com in front of the United States Embassy, Jakarta, on Wednesday.
Yumana hoped that the independence of Palestine would soon be achieved and recognized by the world. "I pray that the independence of Palestine will be recognized by several countries, especially in the United Nations assembly," Yumana added.
Johannes (23), a foreign internship student from SKF University Technology Center (UTC) currently undergoing an internship program at Svenska Kullager Fabriken (SKF) Indonesia, participated in the Labor Day demonstration around the Horse Statue in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.
He noted that the situation during May Day in Indonesia and Germany was different. According to him, the May Day crowd in Germany is not as large as in Indonesia because the majority of people in Germany choose to go on vacation.
"The situation is different in Germany. Although it's also a holiday, people usually spend their time relaxing and enjoying their holiday. However, there are also some who demonstrate," concluded Johannes.