Arif Budianto – Workers in West Java have confirmed that they will still hold demonstrations in Bandung to commemorate International Labour Day or May Day on May 1.
West Java Confederation of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI) Regional Leadership Board Chairperson Roy Jinto denied reports that there will be no demonstrations in Bandung on May 1. They still plan to hold an action on Jalan Diponegoro in front of Gedung Sate building (the governor's office).
"Yes, actions will still be centered in Jakarta but at the Gedung Sate building a demonstration is also planned", said Jinto in Bandung on Tuesday April 23.
Jinto said that demonstrations will be centered in Jakarta together with other workers in Indonesia. An action in Jakarta is an option because the issues that will be raised are related to the Omnibus Law on Job Creation (UU Cipta Kerja).
As has been reported, the Bandung municipal government (Pemkot) made assurances earlier that there will be no street actions commemorating the upcoming International Labour Day.
Bandung city Labour Office head Andri Darusman said that the commemoration of International Labor Day 2024 in Bandung will take place on Sunday May 5 at the Harris Convention Center Citylink Festival in Bandung city.
The event will be attended by around labour 1,500 representatives from the Bandung business community.
"There will be no demonstrations taking to the streets. Praise be Allah, thank you", said Darusman at a Coffee Morning event and Bandung city trade union goodwill meeting on Tuesday.
Darusman added that a series of activities would be organised in the context of commemorating International Labour Day 2024 in Bandung city, including blood donations and cleaning activities at individual companies.
During the goodwill meeting, Darusman also invited all parties to make International Labour Day a cooperative event to create a competent work force.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Kendati Dipusatkan di Jakarta, Buruh Pastikan Tatap Aksi di Bandung".]
