Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – Trade unions have scrapped their plans to stage protests in front of Jakarta's Presidential Palace on Thursday as they move the crowd to the parliamentary complex.

Tens of thousands of workers are set to take to the streets to demand better work conditions in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Kahar S Cahyono, a spokesperson at the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), revealed some changes to the plan.

"The rally will only be centered at the parliamentary complex," Kahar said.

"It's about effectiveness and time efficiency. It would take quite a while if we had to move thousands of people from the House of Representatives' building to the palace," Kahar added.

Between 10,000 and 50,000 people from multiple trade unions are set to stage protests in front of the House of Representatives. Some of their demands include the removal of the outsourcing system and low wage. They also urge the government to raise the minimum wage by 8.5 percent to 10.5 percent next year. Workers are also pushing for the government to increase the non-taxable income threshold to Rp 7.5 million ($465) per month.

President Prabowo Subianto is currently absent at the palace. The Indonesian leader is addressing a sub-national government forum in Tangerang.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/workers-cancel-protests-at-palace-move-crowd-to-lawmakers-buildin