Abraham Utama, Jakarta – International Labour Day or May will be commemorated tomorrow on Friday May 1 in a number of different countries. On Thursday however, labour groups in Indonesia were still divided over plans to establish a new labour party.

Jakarta – Indonesian trade union leaders felt enormously flattered to be invited by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to join him on the presidential plane to visit the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang to officiate the construction of 1 million homes for workers.

Andri Yunarko, Jakarta – On Monday April 27 the Indonesian People’s United Resistance (PPRI) held a press conference at the offices of the Jakarta Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) to declare its position on the commemoration of International Labour Day or M

Syahrul Ansyari, Foe Peace Simbolon – In the lead up to the commemoration of International Labour Day 2015 or May Day, the Indonesian Labour Movement (GBI), which is made up of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), the Confederation of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI), the Confederation of Prosperity Labour Unions (KSBSI),

Jakarta – The Indonesia Labour Movement (GBI) has agreed to form its own political party following the commemoration of May Day 2015.

Jakarta – International Women’s Day (IWD) was commemorated by various different elements of society who held a demonstration in the vicinity of the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Sunday March 8.

Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – Hundreds of workers form the Indonesian Metal Workers Trade Union Federation (FSPMI) demonstrated at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building to declare their support for the KPK that is in the midst of a conflict with the national police (Polri).

Fariansyah Bagenda, Bekasi – A protest action by striking workers from the company PT Metindo Erasakti which are affiliated with the Fraternity of Indonesian Muslim Workers  (PPMI) was blocked by members of the Pancasila Youth (PP) on Thursday January 15.

Jakarta – The director general of the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Guy Ryder is convinced that labour issues in Indonesia can be resolved by the government, employees and companies sitting down together.

Adela Eka Putra Marza – After expressing their disagreement several days ago over the setting of the Jakarta minimum provincial wage (UMP) for 2015, which has declined relative to the value of the rupiah against the US dollar, on Wednesday November 26 workers finally took to the streets to convey their demand for a revision of the UMP.

Bekasi – Once again victims have fallen at a protest action by thousands of workers in Bekasi regency because of repressive actions by police. At least 15 workers were injured and their motorcycles damaged by police on November 21.

Jakarta – The Draft Law on Regional Elections (RUU Pilkada), which abolishes the direct election of regional heads and was successfully enacted into law (UU Pilkada) by the parties backing Prabowo Subianto’s Red and White Coalition (KMP) is a threat to democracy.

Jakarta – Around 10,000 workers from 30 labour federations that make up the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) Confederation held a demonstration at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon.

Tangerang – Thousands of workers in Tangerang, Banten province celebrated May Day by bringing a 3-metre effigy of an octopus to the State Palace in Central Jakarta. They also brought a 1.5 metre wide soccer trophy.

Raka F Pujangga, Semarang – The Indonesian Trade Union Action Committee (Kasbi) and the Semarang branch of the Indonesian Metal Trade Workers Federation (FSPMI) held a parade in the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang which was joined by around 3,000 people on Thursday May 1.

Surya Mujib Anwar, Surabaya – Demonstrators from a number of different groups in East Java have begun arriving at the grounds of Governor Suryo in front of the State Grahadi building in the provincial capital of Surabaya on Thursday May 1.

Risanti, Bandung – Commemorating International Labour Day on May 1, hundreds of workers from the All Indonesian Workers Union-Metal and Electronic Machinery Trade Union Federation (SPSI-FSP LEM) and the Bandung branch of the SPSI held a demonstration on the grounds of the West Java-Banten state electricity company (PLN).

Khairul Ikhwan, Medan – A demonstration commemorating Labour Day in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan was joined by around 4,000 workers. The action was centred at the Majestik traffic circle because government offices were closed for the May Day public holiday.

Idham Khalid, Jakarta – Workers from the National Trade Union Confederation (KSN) held a theatrical action at the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday May 1. The action was held in the context of the fight for workers’ rights who they believe have yet to enjoy a decent life.

Ita Lismawati F. Malau, Tudji Martudji – Labour groups from various parts of East Java descended on the provincial capital of Surabaya on Thursday May 1 and gathered at the Grahadi State Building (the governor’s office) to commemorate International Labour Day or May Day.