May Day in Surabaya Splits, Labor and Students Protest at DPRD East Java

May Day in Surabaya this year saw a split in the labor movement, with different factions choosing distinct locations to voice their demands. While some unions gathered at the regional government offices, a significant contingent, including the Confederation of Indonesian Workers' Unions (KASBI) and student bodies, converged on the East Java Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD).

This division highlights varying strategies within the labor movement, but the core message remains consistent: a call for improved worker protections. The KASBI-led protest at the DPRD specifically targets the legislative body, urging them to recommend the swift passage of a new Labor Law to the central government. Their frustration stems from the perceived inadequacy of the current legal framework, particularly the Omnibus Law, which they deem legally flawed.

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Kita fokus menyuarakan yang sampai hari ini RUU Ketenagakerjaan belum disahkan. Tadi RUU Ketenagakerjaan yang sesuai dengan keputusan MK kan harusnya 2 tahun. 2026 ini tenggatnya. Nah, kita dorongkan di daerah menyuarakan di DPRD Jawa Timur memperingati hari May Day ini untuk DPRD Jawa Timur maupun Pemprov Jatim, nah, untuk merekomendasikan RUU ini segera menjadi sebuah undang-undang

Beyond national legislation, the protest also sheds light on local labor issues in East Java. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office in addressing issues like unilateral layoffs and union busting. The demonstrators argue that enforcement of labor laws is not being carried out according to standard operating procedures, leading to a perceived lack of protection for workers facing unfair dismissal.

From our perspective here in East Java, this protest is not just about May Day; it's a critical moment for advocating for workers' rights within our region and pushing for national legislative reform. The split in the demonstration, while perhaps reflecting strategic differences, ultimately amplifies the call for justice and better working conditions. The international media might focus on the global May Day narrative, but for us, the specific demands concerning the Labor Law and local enforcement are paramount.

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Selama ini PHK marak. Kenapa kok marak? Karena ketika ada terjadinya union busting, PHK karena efisiensi itu tidak ada penegakan hukum di Dinas Provinsi Jatim. Pengawasan terutama. Di Provinsi Jatim ini sampai sekarang penegakan hukumnya tidak sesuai dengan SOP.