Akmalal Hamdhi, Jakarta – A labor rally at Jakarta's Bundaran HI concluded peacefully on Thursday, with police praising workers for maintaining order during the demonstration.
The rally was attended by workers from the Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI) and the Indonesian Workers' Struggle Grand Coalition (KBPBI), who gathered around the UOB building in Dukuh Atas to voice demands related to the proposed Employment Protection Bill.
"We express our appreciation and gratitude for the aspirations conveyed by KSPSI and KBPBI. Thankfully, the demonstration was conducted safely, orderly and peacefully," Jakarta Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto said at Bundaran HI on Thursday.
Authorities deployed 26,386 personnel from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, military, Jakarta administration, and parliamentary security units.
The workers have called for stronger labor protections, including greater job security and measures to prevent the misuse of outsourcing, contracts, and internship arrangements. They are also demanding adequate wages, protections for platform workers, severance guarantees, and the right to organize.
Budi apologized to members of the public affected by traffic diversions imposed during the demonstration, particularly around the Sudirman and Thamrin areas.
He said the traffic measures were necessary to allow public activities to continue while providing space for protesters to voice their demands.
"We appreciate today's rally in front of the UOB building, which proceeded in an orderly manner and as scheduled," Budi said.
Other demonstrations were still underway at several locations in Jakarta, including around the House of Representatives and Regional Representative Council complexes and the Monas area.
Budi said he hoped the remaining demonstrations would also conclude safely and peacefully.
"We should respect each other and the democratic rights expressed by those conveying their aspirations," he said.
A separate protest around the parliamentary complex involving students, workers, and farmers was expected to draw between 600 and 750 participants.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-labor-rally-ends-peacefull