Muhammad Taufik, Mojokerto – The commemoration of May Day in the East Java city of Mojokerto on Saturday May 1 was joined by around 5,000 workers from various parts of the regency who held a protest action in front of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the regional government offices.

One of the action coordinators, Heri Subagyo said that they were demanding that the government resolve a number of labour issues such as completing the draft law on the Social Insurance Management Agency (BPJS) and revisions to Law Number 3/1992 on the Workers Insurance Scheme (Jamsostek). “In healthcare service matters, workers are still put in second place at hospitals”, he said.

Subagyo added another important issue was arbitrary dismissals by companies and that the government act fairly and not side with employers.

In Jombang regency meanwhile, thousands of workers took to the streets in the centre of the city. “Up until now workers are still oppressed by regulations that don’t side with workers,” said action coordinator Agus Mulya Abadi. The protesters also called on the government to abolish contract labour systems and outsourcing.

The workers, who came from various different organisations such as the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM), gathered at the Darul Ulum University campus then moved off towards the DPRD building.

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]