Indonesia: Workers to protest nationwide Dec. 22-23 over minimum wage policies

Event

Workers from various trade unions, including the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), plan to demonstrate and strike nationwide Dec. 22-23 and from Jan. 5 over the government's minimum wage policies. Organizers claim that hundreds of thousands will participate, though they have yet to specify a start time and location for the gatherings. In Jakarta, participants will likely gather at locations like City Hall, Constitutional Court, State Palace, Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue area, National Monument, Ministry of Manpower, and House of Representatives. Demonstrations are likely in other cities and will probably occur outside government buildings such as provincial or regency councils, governor or regent offices, and on prominent roadways. Turnout will probably vary, with hundreds to thousands participating in major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Palembang, and Surabaya.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely. Security personnel will probably monitor the protests and may try to disperse any disruptive gatherings. Protesters could also march along or block roadways. Officials may close roads or train stations if any demonstration becomes particularly disruptive, especially in urban centers. Clashes between police and protesters are possible and may involve tear gas and water cannon. Labor organizations will likely call for additional strikes, resulting in production disruptions and short-term delivery and order fulfillment delays. Workers may also hold demonstrations near factories and industrial areas, potentially blocking access to facilities.

Context

Labor unions have held demonstrations since late November against minimum wage policies. The central government issued a guideline for provincial officials to increase the provincial minimum wage (UMP) for the following year by 1.09 percent, lower than demanded by labor unions. Provincial authorities also have the discretion to amend the minimum salaries as per local conditions; reports indicate several provinces have announced that they would not increase the minimum wage.

Additionally, a recent Constitutional Court ruling requires the government to revise the Omnibus Law on Job Creation within two years or consider the law unconstitutional. The ruling was made after several labor groups filed lawsuits against the legislation, which workers have criticized for allegedly limiting their rights. While some labor organizations have approved the ruling, others may hold protests to demand the repealing of the entire law.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a precaution. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions. Allow additional travel time and seek alternative routes to circumvent demonstration sites. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Follow all security personnel instructions.