Worker Welfare Becomes a Priority, Government Strengthens Commitment to Address 17+8 Aspirations
JAKARTA — The government continues to reaffirm its strong commitment to making worker welfare a top priority in various policies.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, concrete steps have been taken to address all aspirations outlined in the “17+8 People’s Demands,” which resulted from a wave of demonstrations by workers and civil society during August–September 2025.
President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani, views the establishment of the National Worker Welfare Council (DKBN) as concrete evidence of the government’s seriousness.
“The council’s structure will include academics, labor leaders, and government representatives,” he said.
“All will work together to resolve worker issues: housing, social security, layoffs, and community welfare. Everything is covered,” Andi added.
He further explained that the DKBN will be granted legitimacy equivalent to a ministry so that it can provide direct input to the President regarding worker welfare in Indonesia.
“The President’s intention is very good, so that the Worker Welfare Council has constitutional legitimacy, can engage in dialogue, discussions, and give direct input on national policies,” he emphasized.
KSPSI General Chairman Jumhur Hidayat sees the DKBN as a further strengthening of the Bipartite Industrial Relations Institution (LKS Bipartit). According to him, the main difference between the two lies in legitimacy.
“I think the LKS [Bipartite] already exists. It operates under direct law and its leaders are appointed by the President,” he said.
“However, the DKBN will be equal to a ministry, thus stronger in advocating workers’ interests,” Jumhur explained.
The government has also strengthened worker protection through concrete policies, ranging from Government Regulation No. 6 of 2025 on guarantees for laid-off workers to studies on abolishing the outsourcing system.
President Prabowo himself reaffirmed his commitment during the 2025 Labor Day commemoration by involving labor unions in the process of revising labor regulations.
Special Presidential Advisor for Politics and Security, Wiranto, assured that all worker aspirations are not ignored.
“The President has certainly listened to them as much as possible. What the people ask for will be heard by President Prabowo,” he said.
He emphasized that the fulfillment of aspirations will be carried out gradually.
“Meeting all demands at once would be complicated,” he added.
With open dialogue and the establishment of a special institution, the government shows that worker welfare is not just a slogan but a real priority in national development. (*)
