JAKARTA — The Indonesian government has started taking concrete steps in responding to the “17+8 People’s Demands” raised by workers and the public during August–September 2025.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, various policies are being prepared as a demonstration of the government’s seriousness in listening to workers’ voices while ensuring the welfare of employees.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, emphasized that several worker demands have now entered the government’s mechanism.
According to him, the proposed increase in the minimum wage is a crucial issue currently under review.
“There is already a mechanism for the minimum wage. That means the process begins with studies being conducted. Those studies must involve meaningful participation,” he said.
He added that discussions on wage adjustments will be conducted through the National Tripartite Cooperation Institution (LKS Tripnas), which involves employers, labor unions, and the government.
“We will bring it to LKS Tripnas. Inputs from workers, employers, and academics will all be considered. So, the process is ongoing and being refined,” he explained.
Special Presidential Advisor for Politics and Security, Wiranto, also reaffirmed President Prabowo’s commitment not to ignore public aspirations.
“The President has certainly listened as much as possible. What the public asks for will be heard by President Prabowo,” he stated some time ago.
“Meeting all demands at once would be complicated,” he added.
Meanwhile, member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission IX, Irma Suryani Chaniago, stressed that the House fully supports the government’s steps in improving labor regulations.
“It is important for us to ensure that every policy taken provides fair protection for workers while still considering business sustainability,” she said.
“We will continue to dialogue with workers and employers to create regulations that benefit all parties,” Irma explained.
Irma added that the active participation of labor unions in the legislative discussions is key to ensuring that resulting regulations are truly fair and accommodate shared needs.
According to her, with prosperous workers whose rights are protected, productivity will increase and drive national economic growth.
Concrete government actions that have begun, such as the average 6.5 percent national minimum wage increase in 2025, cash assistance for laid-off workers, and plans to review the outsourcing system, demonstrate that workers’ voices are not ignored.
The “17+8 People’s Demands” movement has become a strong catalyst to strengthen the commitment of the government and legislature in championing worker welfare and creating fairer policies. (*)
