Protests Continue To Flare Up In Indonesia, Citizens Unhappy With Labour Law

Riots have broken out between authorities and protestors in Indonesia, as thousands gather in Jakarta to protest a new law that changes the country’s labour and investment rules.

To give you an idea of the changes made, and how it will impact the working class, a 905-page final draft of the bill will amend 79 prevailing laws, which removes key protections such as mandatory paid leave for childbirth, increased limits on work overtime, and cutting severance pay amounts.

Many see this as a “serious threat” to worker’s rights, which have sparked clashes not only in Jakarta but in other cities such as Tangerang, Batam, Malang and Bandar Lampung.

To show you just how bad things are, here are several videos that have made its way on social media.

Despite Covid-19 still rampant in Indonesia, with 324,658 cases and 11,677 deaths thus far, things do not seem to let up as throngs make their way to protest in the streets of Indonesia’s major cities.

Coordinator of the Indonesian Student Executive Board alliance, Remy Hastian said “We all agree on rejecting this bill and seeking other alternatives like a judicial review, and urge the president to issue a Government Regulation in Lieu of a Law.”

The Indonesian government have stated that the law aims to remove red tape and is part of their efforts to open the economy to more foreign investment.

Netizens in Malaysia have come into contact with their Indonesian friends to further understand the situation. Here is what they have to say.

It the Whatsapp status, this netizen’s friend writes “The demonstration is in place because the government will be setting new laws that will burden the people.”

‘There is no transparency in terms of the processes involved what more we are now facing the pandemic.”

Amnesty International has also stepped in, urging authorities to stop using excessive force against protesters, stating that it is the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

We hope that the matter will be resolved peacefully to avoid another tragedy taking place in Indonesia.

Also read: “The country belongs to the people, not the King”, Thousands Protest Monarchy’s Power in Thailand