On February 14, 2024, Indonesia will hold legislative and presidential elections. Workers and the people are expected to elect legislative members from 18 political parties at the national level, as well as choose from three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates: Anies Baswedan-

Leon Kastayudha – Indonesia celebrates National Mother’s Day on December 22nd. As in other countries, Mother’s Day is a mainstream commemoration filled with gestures of appreciation to mothers, flowers, and or other commercial gifts.

Abraham Utama – Prabowo Subianto has preempted President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in embracing labour groups in the lead up to the 2019 presidential elections.

Mohammad Bernie – The song Hello Hello Bandung was played and sung along to by thousands of workers who packed into the Senayan Sports Arena (Istora) in Central Jakarta as prospective presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto took to the stage alongside Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) president Said Iqbal.

[The following is a translation of a leaflet distributed by the Populist Democratic Trade Union (SEDAR) on May Day 2018.]

Today, we will again take to the streets and join the momentum of International Labour Day or May Day 2018.

Lalu Rahadian – A number of trade unions have chosen not to support President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo or Prabowo Subianto in the 2019 presidential elections.

On April 19-20, representatives from some 42 organisations gathered in Jakarta to take part in the People’s Movement Conference (KGR).

The People’s Movement Conference (Konferensi Gerakan Rakyat) which was held over two days on April 19-20 at the Hotel 678 Cawang in Jakarta, was a historical milestone in carving out a new hope for the emergence of a united movement comprising all elements of the people.

Jakarta – Around 300 workers from the Populist Democratic Trade Union (SEDAR) held a rally at the Toyota factory in Sunter, North Jakarta on Thursday March 8.

Bekasi – The Populist Democratic Trade Union (Serikat Buruh Demokratik Kerakyatan, SEDAR) held a mass meeting attended by more than 400 members on Sunday March 4. The meeting was held to prepare for International Women’s Day (IWD) which falls on March 8.

Sherr Rinn – The National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian military (TNI) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which Polri can request assistance from the TNI to secure protest actions and labour strikes.

Surya Anta – The term red trade union is perhaps one that seems rather odd and worthy of debate. But the use of the term red trade union is indeed a reality in Indonesia.

Jakarta – Rejecting Government Regulation (PP) Number 78/2015 on Wages, the Fraternity of Indonesian Muslim Workers (PPMI) together with the United People’s Committee (KPR) launched a national resistance movement on Tuesday November 24, which was marked by a convoy action.

“... although legislation represents an important start, its role cannot be more than just a beginning.