Indonesia: Labor union plans protest in Jakarta October 15-22 /update 3

Event

The Jakarta Labor Movement (GBJ) has announced that it intends to hold a week-long demonstration against the Omnibus Law on Job Creation from Thursday, October 15 to Thursday, October 22. Protesters allege the new law will harm workers' rights and standards of living. The demonstration is to center around the Merdeka presidential palace, central Jakarta, and take place daily between 08:00 and 16:00 (local time). Police have stated that they may close off areas close to the palace to traffic should protests grow.

Further protests are likely over the near term. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected in the vicinity of protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Omnibus bill was passed into law on Monday, October 5, and opponents believe the bill will undermine labor rights in Indonesia and weaken environmental protections in favor of big business.

Some 800 people have been detained in major cities in the latest series of demonstrations, and two students hospitalized with serious head injuries.

Advice

Those in Indonesia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, and heed any instructions issued by local authorities