Indonesia: Unionized workers plan nationwide protests July 8 /update 1

Activists from several labor organizations, including the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) and National Workers Union (SPN), plan to protest nationwide July 8. The purpose of the action is to oppose several issues, in particular the ratification of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation. In Jakarta, protesters will gather at Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue from 09:00 before rallying at the Constitutional Court and the State Palace. The organizers have also planned demonstrations at Governor, Regent, and Mayor offices nationwide, including in Banda Aceh, Banjarmasin, Batam, Gorontalo, Makassar, Medan, Pekanbaru, Semarang, and Surabaya; specific location and timing details are unavailable. Rallies in Jakarta are likely to draw thousands of participants. At least a few hundred to a thousand participants could join demonstrations elsewhere. Additional, unannounced solidarity protests may also occur at the following sites: Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) office, Ministry of Communication and Information, Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry of Trade.

Increased security measures will likely occur around the announced protest sites, including heightened deployment of security personnel and imposition of traffic restrictions such as security cordons, diversions, and road closures. Minor scuffles are possible, especially if police attempt to disperse demonstrators trying to bypass security barriers. Traffic disruptions are likely near protest sites, in particular Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, especially if activists hold road blockades. Increased congestion and demand for public transport are also likely as a large number of attendees arrive at and leave protest sites, especially in the Gambir area, where most of the potential sites in Jakarta are located.