Puan Maharani’s address on May Day 2026 in Jakarta underscored the urgent need for reforms in worker protections. She warned of the potential layoff of 9,000 workers if outsourcing regulations do not improve.
During this year’s May Day celebration, workers made 11 demands, prominently including the elimination of outsourcing practices that threaten job security. Puan highlighted these issues as critical to ensuring a stable workforce.
Puan stated that achieving the ambitious target of creating 19 million jobs over five years will be challenging without solidifying the industrial foundation. She argued that the current employment policies increase uncertainty in workers’ lives.
The call for reform is particularly relevant as Puan mentioned that the income and job security of digital transport workers must not be considered marginal issues. This group has faced significant instability due to unclear outsourcing regulations.
Puan also expressed support for establishing a workforce to address layoffs but insisted that work should not cease until employees have lost their jobs. This approach aims to protect workers from abrupt job losses.
In her speech, Puan referenced a tragic train accident in East Bekasi that resulted in several workers’ deaths while returning home. She emphasized that the state must ensure safe transportation and adequate facilities for workers’ families.
Puan welcomed recent developments in outsourcing regulations, specifically the 7th number of Permenaker, but called for clear limits on the types of outsourcing allowed. This step is essential to safeguard worker rights.
She concluded by affirming that all workers, including domestic staff and online drivers, deserve equal protection under these regulations. The ongoing discussions about worker rights and protections in Indonesia are crucial as they shape future employment landscapes.
