Beware of Potential Unrest on August 28, Government Has Responded to Demands Through Programs
Jakarta – Ahead of the planned demonstration on August 28, 2025, various parties are urging the public not to be easily provoked. The protest, framed around labor demands and people’s issues, is seen as vulnerable to political exploitation and could potentially lead to unrest that harms the broader public interest.
Chairman of the All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI), Jumhur Hidayat, firmly stated that the labor organization he leads will not participate in the action. According to him, dialogue is a far more effective route than taking to the streets, which carries the risk of being hijacked by outside interests. “Three million workers under the KSPSI will not take part in the demonstration. All KSPSI-affiliated workers across the country are instructed not to join, as we, along with around 100 other federations and confederations, have already drafted proposals to be discussed with the government, parliament, and employers,” Jumhur said.
Echoing this, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, emphasized that protest is a constitutional right of every citizen, but must be carried out in an orderly manner and in accordance with the law. “Public aspirations are guaranteed by the law, but the way they are expressed must follow legal procedures so that the substance of the message is not lost due to improper methods,” he stated.
Previously, many of the demands voiced by groups planning to protest had already been addressed through government policies. These include the construction of 3 million housing units, the provision of Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU), the establishment of a National Workers’ Welfare Council, support for the passage of the long-delayed Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), the formation of a mass layoff (PHK) task force, and the provision of free healthcare services—all of which serve as concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to improving people’s welfare.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations at Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, reminded the public to remain vigilant against provocation. “Please feel free to express your opinions, but let’s do so in an orderly manner and according to the law. Always comply with the applicable regulations,” he said. Ade Ary also assured that the police would provide protection based on a service-oriented approach, allowing public aspirations to be conveyed safely. However, he warned of the potential for infiltration by groups seeking to incite conflict. “The public must be cautious of irresponsible actors looking to exploit the situation. Public facilities must not become targets of destruction,” he added.
The government and parliament continue to provide open channels for dialogue with workers and students, including discussions on welfare-related issues. However, the public is urged to remain critical and not be swayed by provocative narratives that could threaten national stability.
