Indonesia: Labor Party and union workers postpone demonstration outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta to July 26 /update 1

Event

The Labor Party and the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) have postponed a demonstration outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta from July 20 to July 26. The action is to denounce the omnibus health law that was passed in parliament July 11. Organizers have yet to specify a start time for the action. Several thousand people could participate in the gathering.

Authorities will likely enact increased security measures, including roadblocks and cordons, near the protest site. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible, particularly if demonstrators occupy nearby roads. The protest will likely remain peaceful, but isolated scuffles cannot be ruled out.

Context

Indonesian lawmakers officially approved the omnibus health bill July 11, despite facing opposition and threats of a strike from health workers. Notable provisions in the bill include granting foreign doctors permission to establish their practices in the country, removing the mandatory health spending requirement, and transferring the authority to issue medical competency certificates from medical associations to the government, among others. While the legislation will likely improve healthcare services and address the shortage of doctors, medical associations and civil society groups have expressed concerns regarding the limited involvement of the public in the decision-making process and the elimination of the minimum health spending requirement.

Advice

Avoid the protest site and its surrounding areas as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions. If any violence erupt nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.