Indonesia: Protests against Omnibus bill planned nationwide October 27-November 2 /update 1

Event

Workers from several labor unions intend to hold nationwide protests between Tuesday, October 27, and Monday, November 2, during which President Joko Widodo could potentially sign the Job Creation Law, also known as the "Omnibus" bill, as he is expected to do so on Wednesday, October 28. The Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) has stated that demonstrations on November 2, previously scheduled for Sunday, November 1, will be held in 20 provinces and over 200 regencies in relation to the potential signing. The KSPI has called for these gatherings to be peaceful in nature. Demonstrations can be expected at the following locations (all times local) on October 27: 

• Bandung (West Java province) at 08:00 at the West Java People's Struggle Monument, before marching to several government offices.
• Surabaya (East Java province) at 09:00 at Pelangi Park, before marching to the Grahadi Building, and then to several government offices.

Further demonstrations are possible across the country in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Context

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

Advice

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