Jakarta – Ahead of the planned labor protest on Thursday, August 28, 2025, various segments of society and public officials have voiced strong opposition to calls for mass mobilization. They warn that such actions risk being infiltrated by groups with hidden agendas and could spiral into violence, despite the government having opened broad channels for dialogue to absorb public aspirations.
KSPSI Chairman, Jumhur Hidayat, emphasized that his organization will not participate in the demonstration.
“Three million members of the KSPSI labor family will not join the protest,” Jumhur said in Jakarta. He explained that KSPSI, together with around 100 labor federations and confederations, has prepared a draft of proposals to be discussed through formal dialogue with the government, parliament, and business representatives.
According to Jumhur, formal communication channels are far more effective than street demonstrations.
“We want to ensure workers’ aspirations are conveyed through proper means—not through actions that could potentially lead to disorder,” he stressed.
Deputy Speaker of the House (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, urged the public not to be easily provoked by calls that could destabilize the situation.
“The rights to organize, assemble, and express opinions are guaranteed by law,” he said. However, he emphasized that such freedoms must be exercised within the framework of legal norms.
Dasco further stated that conveying aspirations in an orderly manner is more effective than street protests, which are at risk of being exploited for political gain.
“The core message can be lost if the method of delivery is wrong. It’s better to prioritize dialogue and the openness already provided by the government and parliament,” he explained.
On the security side, Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, stressed the importance of maintaining a conducive environment.
“Feel free to express your opinions, but let’s do so in an orderly way and according to the law. Always comply with existing regulations,” he said.
He also warned the public to be cautious of provocateurs seeking to exploit the protest.
“We don’t want anyone taking advantage of the situation to incite chaos. Public facilities—like the DPR’s security barriers or busway separators—must not be damaged again,” he added.
This collective appeal from the government, parliament, and law enforcement shows that extensive space for public dialogue is already in place. Therefore, joining the August 28 protest is seen as unnecessary and potentially harmful, as it could disturb public order and be hijacked by those seeking to benefit from instability.
