Puan Maharani, a prominent Indonesian politician, made a strong appeal for urgent reforms in worker protections during the May Day 2026 celebrations in Jakarta. She emphasized the critical need to address outsourcing regulations as layoffs threaten thousands of workers.
On this year’s May Day, workers presented 11 demands, with a significant focus on eliminating outsourcing practices that jeopardize job security. Puan highlighted that the potential layoff of 9,000 workers serves as a serious warning for the government to take immediate action.
She pointed out the difficulty of achieving the government’s ambitious target of creating 19 million jobs over the next five years without strengthening the industrial foundation. This situation underscores the importance of robust employment policies that prioritize worker rights.
Puan supports forming a dedicated workforce to address layoffs but insists that work must continue until employees lose their jobs. Her remarks reflect a broader concern about rising job insecurity and its impact on families.
During her address, Puan welcomed the recent updates to Permenaker, which pertain to outsourcing, but called for clearer limits on what types of outsourcing should be allowed. She underscored that income and job security for digital transport workers must not be treated as marginal issues.
The discussion took a somber turn when Puan referenced a tragic train accident in East Bekasi, which resulted in several workers’ deaths while returning home from work. This incident highlights the urgent need for safe transportation and adequate facilities for workers’ families.
Puan firmly stated that all workers, including domestic helpers and online drivers, deserve equal protection under labor laws. Her comments resonate with ongoing discussions about worker rights and protections in Indonesia.
This sequence of events reflects a critical moment for labor rights in Indonesia as policymakers grapple with balancing economic growth and worker welfare. The growing emphasis on reforming outsourcing regulations could significantly influence future employment policies.
