Indonesian Protesters Persist in Rejecting Job Creation Law

Protests against the Job Creation Law in Indonesia show no signs of abating, as various community groups, including students and labor unions, continue to demand the law's repeal. The protesters are calling for the government to issue a regulation in lieu of the controversial law.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests in Indonesia highlight the growing discontent among citizens towards government policies, which could have far-reaching implications for the country's political stability and economic growth. The government's response to these protests will set a precedent for how it handles future dissent, potentially influencing the trajectory of Indonesia's democracy.

Dedi Kurnia Syah, Executive Director of the Indonesia Political Opinion, believes it is unlikely that President Joko Widodo will fulfill the protesters' demands. "If you read the president's gestures so far, there is very little possibility of a Perppu even though this condition is a dilemma for the president, whether to side with the public who is busy protesting or continue the Job Creation Law,"Syah said.

On October 20, masses are expected to take to the streets again to reject the Job Creation Law, following similar protests earlier in the month. The All Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM SI) and the Confederation of the Indonesian Workers Alliance Congress (KASBI) are among the groups participating in the ongoing demonstrations.

The government has stated that demonstrations will not be prohibited, as they are protected by the constitution. However, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD warned protesters to be cautious of intruders who may seek to disrupt the peaceful actions. "Be careful not to have an intruder inviting you to make a fuss or your friend becoming a victim because an intruder wants to find a martyr," Mahfud said.

Experts have called on President Widodo to directly meet with protesters instead of sending his staff. Ujang Komarudin, Executive Director of the Indonesian Political Review, emphasized that the president should listen to the people's aspirations and avoid the impression of being distant from the public. "Meeting protesters at the demonstration site would be more effective than inviting them to the Palace, which could create a stir," Komarudin said.

Another demonstration is scheduled for October 28, coinciding with the Youth Pledge, with an expected 1,000 participants. The Polda Metro Jaya has mapped the mass movement and is preparing for the protest, identifying at least three gathering points for the protesters.

As the protests persist, the Indonesian government faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of various community groups while maintaining its stance on the Job Creation Law. The outcome of this ongoing struggle between the protesters and the government remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Protests against Indonesia's Job Creation Law continue, with demands for its repeal.
• President Joko Widodo unlikely to fulfill protesters' demands, according to experts.
• Mass protests scheduled for October 20 and 28, with thousands expected to participate.
• Government warns protesters to beware of intruders seeking to disrupt peaceful actions.
• Experts urge President Widodo to directly meet with protesters to address their concerns.