By: Husni Mubarak ) *
The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation Plan (KSPI) for the demonstration on 30 April 2020 did not receive public sympathy . The action plan when Pandemic Covid-19 was considered endangering workers, workers’ families, and the surrounding community.
Workers’ groups always commemorate Labor Day 1 May with demonstrations , including KSPI. Said Iqbal’s leadership group plans to organize mass action to reject the application of the Omnibus Law . In addition they also want the company not to lay off during the Covid-19 outbreak . There are two points which are the main focus of the workers’ action, namely the DPR / MPR RI Building and the Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Republic of Indonesia.
It is planned that as many as 50,000 Jabodetabek workers will demonstrate in front of the DPR building. In addition to the demands for a holiday, they also asked the company not to cut off work relations arbitrarily. Because this pandemic is a special condition, and it is not the fault of the workers if the factory loses due to the domino corona effect. They also firmly rejected the omnibus law which harmed workers throughout Indonesia.
The principle of the struggle of workers’ organizations in demanding labor rights should be supported and appreciated. Workers’ rights cannot be denied. The interests of the workers must be protected, including the right to express their opinions. However, workers should also consider the health crisis which is currently being washed away due to Covid-19.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrations like this were very worrying. Especially when there is a PSBB policy, and there shouldn’t be a mass mass gathering. The community condemned the intentions of the workers who remained stubborn and demanded by means of demonstrations. They are considered insensitive and cannot understand why there is a mass dispersal.
If you persist in wanting to gather and demonstrate with many people, it is feared that you will spread the corona virus to each other. When the workers cannot be disciplined and obey PSBB, then when will the pandemic end? They should respect the government’s decision to keep their distance, so that there are no more COVID-19 patients next.
The President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbakl indeed said that the demonstration would use the concept of physical distancing by keeping the participants at a distance, wearing masks, and carrying hand sanitizers such as. However, it seems difficult to un tuk practiced discipline, especially in a large amount of mass.
Not to mention, the potential for clashes between the protesters and the security forces is very likely to occur. This could potentially lead to wider riots amid social frustration due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The police have also been preparing for the action on Labor Day. They flatly refused the demonstration on May 1 and will never give permission to the crowd at the event. When there is mass action, it must immediately be dissolved. Not evil, but for their own safety. The workers were not aware that when they got together while carrying posters of demands, it would increase the potential for transmission of the virus and families at home could be the next victims.
Brimob and Sabhara personnel have been prepared to prevent this mass action from happening later . If it cannot be prevented and mass action continues, the police can quickly disperse this demonstration. This action is not to prevent the occurrence of democracy, but it must be done for the security of all people because of the potential to transmit the COVID-19 virus.
Demonstrations in the midst of a corona pandemic certainly are outlawed. Workers are expected to understand and then cancel their plans. But if they still insist, with the excuse of defending the rights of their people, there will be a mass dissolution. The social distancing rules should be obeyed so that there cannot be demonstrations even though the reason is to commemorate International Labor Day.
) * The writer is a citizen , active in the Press Circle and Cikini Students
