Indonesia omnibus law protests

Quick Facts: Who was Indonesia omnibus law protests?

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Indonesia omnibus law protests

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Series of Indonesian protests against the controversial Omnibus Law on Job Creation.

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Origins & Early Life

The Indonesia omnibus law protests (previously known as omnibus bill protests and referred colloquially as the omnibus law protests or anti-omnibus law protests; Indonesian: unjuk rasa tolak omnibus law) were a series of demonstrations and civil disorder against Indonesia's Omnibus Law on Job Creation which was passed on 5 October 2020 as well as President Joko Widodo. Demonstrations had begun on 13 January 2020 while the then-bill, claimed by the government as vital to boosting the country's manufacturing industry and foreign investment, was still being drafted. Protesters were concerned with the law's impact on the protection of the environment and working conditions. One of President Joko Widodo's goals is to increase investment and industrialization in Indonesia, with an annual per capita income of Rp. 320 million and a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$7 trillion by 2045.

Career & Major Achievements

As such, a new regulation is needed to cut the "red tape" of the Indonesian investment climate. The new proposed draft titled RUU Cipta Kerja (Job Creation Bill) was fiercely opposed by environmentalists, labour unions, and many oppositions shortly after its publication. The first draft was proposed on 12 February 2020. It contained 15 chapters and 174 articles to be discussed by the People's Representative Council (DPR) during the 2020 National Legislation Program. The bill was passed on 5 October 2020.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The law sparked protests, originating in Java in January 2020. Protesters are concerned that the law could hurt both workers, specifically that it "would harm workers by reducing severance pay, cutting mandatory leave, allowing longer work hours, and permitting the hiring of contract and part-time workers in place of full-time employees"; and the environment, specifically that it "would lead to the deforestation of forests that are essential in controlling carbon emissions and slowing climate change" according to environmentalists. Several labour unions say that the law should include representatives from labour unions and not just investors. The government says that the law could help Indonesia's fallen economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 8 October, at least 400 protesters have been detained, ranging from peaceful protesters to rioters.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2020: 2020 Milestone — The Indonesia omnibus law protests (previously known as omnibus bill protests and referred colloquially as the omnibus law protests or anti-omnibus law protests; Indonesian: unjuk rasa tolak omnibus law) were a series of demonstrations and civil disorder against Indonesia's Omnibus Law on Job Creation which was passed on 5 October 2020 as well as President Joko Widodo.

Notable Quotes by Indonesia omnibus law protests

“Whether or not we succeed should be an afterthought. What's important is that we fight.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Indonesia omnibus law protests

True or False: “The protests against the Omnibus Law were solely focused on environmental protection issues, ignoring labor rights concerns.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Protesters voiced dual concerns regarding both environmental damage from deforestation and adverse impacts on workers' rights, such as reduced severance pay.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Indonesia omnibus law protests