The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), one of the largest labor groups in the country, says it will defy a police ban on staging May Day rallies in the capital, which was passed as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
KSPI spokesman Kahar Cahyono said that at least 50,000 workers under KSPI and other labor groups will hold rallies outside the House of Parliament (DPR) and the office of the Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister on Friday — a day before International Workers’ Day on May 1.
The group insists that the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) protocol currently in place in Jakarta (which is set to be extended tomorrow for at least a couple of weeks) is not a sufficient reason to limit workers’ freedom of expression.
“[Despite PSBB] many companies are still operating and we workers are still being told to go to factories, which are crowded,” Kahar said, as quoted by Kumparan today.
Kahar said that workers will comply with physical distancing and hygiene measures during the rally.
Earlier this week, the Jakarta Metro Police said it would disperse crowds gathering for May Day rallies to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the capital.
KSPI head Said Iqbal said the group would only cancel May Day rally plans if DPR ceased deliberation on the controversial omnibus bill on job creation, which labor groups say would diminish workers’ rights, if passed.
