3 May, 2010Revision of Social Security laws was the central demand of the Indonesian labour movement during a massive 2010 Labour Day march and demonstration.
INDONESIA: Tens of thousands of workers gathered in central Jakarta from the early hours of May 1, 2010 to demand changes in the social security laws and system. Workers travelled from as far as Bandung, Tanggarang and Bekasi to participate in this historic gathering of workers. The size of the crowd is unprecedented in the history of the Indonesian labour movement, some estimates putting it at more than eighty thousand people.
On the eve of the demonstration a meeting was held to discuss the weakness of the current social security laws and system. Said Iqbal, President of FSPMI, an IMF affiliate, in his capacity as chairman of the social security (Jamsostek) revision committee that was established by the Indonesian trade union movement, highlighted the weakness in the present set of social security laws, regulations and system. He pointed out that workers are not benefitting from these laws. The funds collected from workers are mismanaged by the government and workers are short changed, he alleged. Corruption in the system impedes efforts to protect workers, he lamented. He said that the Indonesian trade union movement should unite and challenge these abuses if workers are to be protected.
The march was led by the FSPMI. Thousand of FSPMI members, closely guarded by their own security apparatus called Metalguard wearing blue and red shirts led the march from the Thamrin area of Jakarta towards the Presidential Palace for a demonstration that lasted till late evening. The marchers were noisy but peaceful. The workers were carrying flags, banners, effigies and distributed pamphlets on their demand. They sang solidarity songs, chanted slogans and beat drums while marching. It was reported that the police stationed some 15,000 personnel to guard the demonstration.
Several speakers from atop a lorry spoke to the thousands gathered outside the Presidential Palace, which was well guarded by hundreds of police personnel, barb wire and police dogs. The sound of their demand echoed across the vast area. Despite being exposed to the burning sun, the workers stood together to hear their leaders speak.
Iqbal said that the fight for meaningful social security laws and system has just begun. The Indonesian unions have come together as a mark of solidarity on a common issue. He hoped that this spirit of cooperation, unity and solidarity will push forward their agenda for a fair and just deal for workers.