Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta -The President of the Association of All-Indonesian Workers' Union (Aspirasi), Mirah Sumirat, has urged companies to stop unfair and exploitative internship practices that harm Generation Z (Gen Z). Mirah highlighted the widespread internship culture that exploits young people under the guise of seeking knowledge and experience, but with incompatible workloads and salaries.
"Stop exploiting Gen Z and end practices that take advantage of them, economically, socially, and culturally," Mirah emphasized in her written statement on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Mirah emphasized the importance of voicing this aspiration, especially during the upcoming International Labor Day, or May Day 2025, which falls on May 1. She believes that putting an end to the exploitation of interns is part of the efforts to ensure the welfare of all workers in Indonesia.
Furthermore, Mirah expressed concerns about the high number of layoffs, with tens of thousands of workers terminated from 2020 until early 2025. "For example, layoffs in Sritex, Sanken, and Yamaha Music," said Mirah.
Mirah invited workers to unite and voice their aspirations on May Day 2025, as well as inviting civil society, students, and mass organizations to take to the streets in the fight for social justice for the working class.
"We will not remain silent when workers' rights are being taken away. Our voice is our strength, and we will continue to speak the truth for the welfare of the people and workers of Indonesia," Mirah concluded.