Jakarta – The number of workers that have already been dismissed appears to be extraordinarily large. At least, this is the version being given by employers. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) has stated that hundreds of thousands of workers have quietly been losing their jobs – a euphemism for being sacked (PHK).

Surabaya – The commemoration of International Labour Day on Thursday May 1 was marked with protest actions in several East Java cities. Workers and students also held demonstrations in Bandung, Denpasar, Palembang and Bandar Lampung.

Jakarta, Kompas – Increases in the inflation rate is putting increasing pressure on workers’ real wages. Because of this therefore, the government must, as soon as possible, realise intervention programs that can indirectly improve workers’ welfare, such as the construction affordable housing for workers.

Munawwaroh, Jakarta – As many as five different protest actions will colour Jakarta’s streets over the weekend. “People should keep away from protest points in order to avoid traffic jams,” said First Brigadier Witardi, a Traffic Management Center (TMC) official at the Metro Jaya Regional Police Traffic Directorate.

Jakarta, Kompas – A number of non-government organisations (NGOs) and students from the pro-democracy movement have rejected the planned deliberation of the draft law on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (RUU TNI) by the People’s Representative Assembly (DPR).