Dani Aswara, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his commitment to promptly form the Employment Termination Task Force in response to laborers' concerns about rampant wrongful firings. Prabowo pledged this during his speech on International May Day at the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
"Upon the suggestion of labor leaders, Pak Said Iqbal and Pak Jumhur, we will promptly form the Employment Termination Task Force," Prabowo said in front of thousands of workers who crowded the Monas area. "We will not allow our people to be terminated from their jobs at will."
According to Prabowo, this task force will ensure that the employment termination is carried out fairly and in accordance with the law. He emphasized that the protection of laborers must be strengthened, and the state cannot wash its hands of labor.
"We will let an employee be terminated if the law justifies it and the laborers are treated fairly. Workers should not be easily sacrificed. The state must be present," Prabowo said.
In addition to forming the Employment Termination Task Force, Prabowo also mentioned that his government will push for accelerating the discussion on the Domestic Workers Protection Bill. "This bill will soon be discussed. It's time for everyone to receive proper legal protection," he said.
On stage, Prabowo was accompanied by the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Prosperity Trade Unions (KSBSI), Elly Rosita, the Chairman of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI), Jumhur Hidayat, and the President of Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), Said Iqbal.
Earlier, the President of KSPI and the President of the Labor Party, Said Iqbal, stated that there are six important issues that will be conveyed to President Prabowo.
"The issues brought up during the May Day celebration include abolishing outsourcing, forming an employment termination task force, fair wages, and labor protection by enacting a new Manpower Bill," said Said in a virtual press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Furthermore, Said stated that the demands also include protecting the rights of domestic workers through the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT). Next, eradicating corruption through the Confiscation of Assets Bill.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2002474/jakarta-may-day-prabowo-pledges-task-force-to-tackle-layoff