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KN-JAKARTA, The Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Unions (FSPMI) and the Labor Party are set to hold a large-scale demonstration today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in front of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker).
The President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labor Party, Said Iqbal, stated that between 500 and 1,000 protesters from Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Karawang, and Purwakarta are expected to attend. While a rally was initially planned for the House of Representatives (DPR RI), it was canceled as the legislature remains in recess.
“The demonstration will proceed at the Ministry of Manpower. We hope the Minister or Deputy Minister will receive us directly to address several critical issues,” Iqbal told reporters.
The protest centers on four major concerns affecting the Indonesian workforce:
1. Opposition to Pickup Truck Imports
Labor unions are strongly opposing the government’s policy to import 105,000 pickup trucks from India. Iqbal argued that this policy could eliminate job opportunities for over 10,000 local workers.
”If those 105,000 units were produced domestically, they could absorb new workers and extend existing contracts. Imports lead to capital outflow and mass layoffs in our domestic automotive sectors, such as Hino, Suzuki, and Toyota,” Iqbal stressed.
He dismissed claims that production would shift to Thailand, noting that major models like the Suzuki Carry and Hino trucks are already established in Indonesian production bases.
2. The “THR” Crisis and Tax Demands
With only 17 days remaining before Eid al-Fitr, unions report that many companies have yet to pay the Religious Holiday Allowance (THR). Iqbal cited several cases, including 2,500 workers at PT Pakerin in Mojokerto and ongoing issues with Seritek workers.
Furthermore, the Labor Party is calling on the Minister of Finance to de-tax THR.
“THR is for travel and holiday needs. Why is it taxed progressively alongside wages? This is a substantial burden on workers,” he said.
3. “HOSTUM”: Eliminating Outsourcing and Low Wages
Iqbal reminded President Prabowo Subianto of his 2025 May Day promise to eliminate outsourcing.
“We are two months away from the next May Day, yet there is no policy change. It feels like a ‘heavenly promise’ that remains unfulfilled,” Iqbal remarked.
He also criticized the inconsistent implementation of the minimum wage formula (alpha 0.9), alleging that some ministerial decisions have diluted the President’s policy to as low as 0.3. Additionally, he highlighted the stagnation of the Manpower Bill and the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT), the latter of which has been stalled for 22 years.
4. Impact of Global Conflict on Labor
The final demand addresses the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Unions fear the war will trigger a surge in oil prices, production costs, and raw material prices (such as cotton for textiles), leading to a weakened Rupiah and inevitable mass layoffs.
The Labor Party plans to send official letters to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and US President Donald Trump via international labor networks, urging an end to the hostilities to protect global economic stability.
Glembert
