Indonesia: Workers plan to demonstrate in multiple cities nationwide May 1 to mark Labor Day

Event

Workers' unions, including the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), plan to demonstrate in multiple cities across Indonesia May 1 to mark Labor Day. The largest gatherings will likely occur in the capital Jakarta, where protesters intend to gather at the State Palace and Constitutional Court 09:30-12:30, as well as Istora Stadium from 13:00. Other possible protest sites in Jakarta include the House of Representatives, City Hall, National Monument, and Hotel Indonesia roundabout. Smaller demonstrations will probably occur in other cities, such as Bandung, Batam, Makassar, Serang, Semarang, and Surabaya. Likely venues include government buildings like provincial, regency, or city councils, governors' offices, factories, industrial areas, manpower offices, monuments, public squares, and other popular gathering sites. Hundreds to thousands of people will likely participate in each action, especially in urban areas.

Labor unions may also call for strikes, which could cause production disruptions in affected areas. Workers could demonstrate near factories and industrial zones and block access to sites during the labor action. Short-term delivery and order fulfillment delays are possible.

Authorities will likely bolster security at any gathering location; roadblocks or security cordons are possible. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely during any demonstration, especially at larger rallies and those in major cities like Jakarta. Clashes are possible if police forcibly disperse protesters or demonstrators attempt to breach security barriers. Security forces could conduct mass arrests if protesters get violent or refuse to disperse.

Advice

Avoid any demonstrations May 1 as a precaution. Limit exposure to government offices that may become targets for protests. Seek updated information from local contacts on any gathering plans and related disruptions; organizers may not announce details in advance. Plan for road closures and business disruptions near any demonstrations and seek alternative routes to circumvent affected areas. If violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a nongovernmental building. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.