There Is A COVID-19 Threat During A Demonstration, Workers: We Are Aware, This Action Is Lives

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Workers Union Confederation (KSPI) is still holding a demonstration against the Job Creation Law in front of the DPR RI Building this afternoon.

Previously, the KSPI had held similar actions many times around the State Palace and the Arjuna Wiwaha Horse Statue area, Central Jakarta. This action is of concern, because it creates crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to this, the KSPI FSPMI Secretary General, Riden Hatam Azis admitted that he knew there was a risk of Coronavirus transmission when holding a demonstration. However, said Riden, they risk this risk in order to maintain the welfare of workers.

"We are fully aware that there is a risk (of COVID-19 transmission). That is why we say that this (action) will continue the lives of workers because the risk is extraordinary," said Riden in front of the DPR RI Building, Central Jakarta, Monday, November 9. .

Therefore, if the government and the DPR are serious about tackling the spread of COVID-19, Riden asks the government and DPR not to take decisions that are considered detrimental to society, such as the passage of Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation.

"If the DPR RI and the government really want to implement the COVID-19 protocol, then don't take policies to cause unrest in the community. That's all," said Riden.

Based on VOI monitoring at the location of the action, a number of workers gathered in front of the gates of the DPR RI Building, Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta. They brought the union flag and a commando car to give speeches.

A large banner filled the entrance gate of the DPR Building. The banner reads, "Cancel the Omnibus Law, Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, increase the UMP, UMK, and UMSK 2021".

Currently, there is no traffic engineering and road closure in front of the DPR RI Building. The mass of workers took part of the route on Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto. The traffic flow in front of the DPR Building became choked up because the lane was narrowed down to a single road.

The purpose of KSPI to hold a demonstration in front of the DPR Building is to urge the parliament to make a legislative review of the Job Creation Law to revoke the Omnibus Law. In addition, they also have demands that the DPR call the Minister of Manpower to raise the minimum wage in 2021.