JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to abolish the outsourcing system has been warmly welcomed by labor unions. This move is considered a crucial breakthrough in improving the welfare of millions of Indonesian workers who have long been trapped in an unjust employment system.
Mirah Sumirat, President of the All-Indonesian Workers’ Union (Aspirasi), emphasized that outsourcing has become a form of modern-day slavery that marginalizes workers’ rights. She stated that the abolition of this system is a realistic and necessary step that must be implemented immediately.
“Outsourcing is truly modern slavery. Therefore, if the abolition of this system is questioned whether it is realistic or not, yes, it is realistic,” Mirah Sumirat said.
In her statement, Mirah pointed out many cases where workers received wages far below the standard due to unilateral cuts by outsourcing companies, even though the parent companies paid according to the contract value. This, she argued, undermines social justice and requires real intervention from the government.
Furthermore, Mirah sees President Prabowo’s statement on abolishing outsourcing as a form of support for labor. However, she urged that this commitment should be followed up concretely through the creation of regulations and a strong monitoring mechanism on the ground.
Support for this plan also came from workers in the fisheries sector. Arnon Hiborang, Chair of the United Fishermen’s Crew Union (SAKTI) of North Sulawesi, stated that the abolition of outsourcing is a breath of fresh air for workers in his region.
“We believe that the abolition of outsourcing is an important step to free workers from the chains of modern-day slavery that have been legalized through this inhumane working system,” Arnon Hiborang emphasized.
According to him, the outsourcing system in the Bitung fisheries industry has long served as an entry point for various exploitative practices. Workers often do not have adequate legal protection and can be dismissed without clear reasons.
“This system opens up vast opportunities for labor exploitation, violations of workers’ rights, and various forms of injustice that approach modern-day slavery,” he added.
Arnon Hiborang further stated that support for the policy to abolish outsourcing is not merely an expression of solidarity, but a genuine push for the government to immediately realize this promise. He believes this step must be carried out comprehensively and in favor of workers.
“Essentially, we support President Prabowo’s plan to abolish the outsourcing system in Indonesia,” he concluded.
For your information, the plan to abolish outsourcing was directly conveyed by President Prabowo Subianto during the May Day celebration at Monas, Central Jakarta. In his speech, he also announced the establishment of the National Labor Welfare Council as a platform to formulate strategic steps for the abolition of this system.
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