ACVCSCIASIA.ORG, JAKARTA – Not long ago, The Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI) officially held the agenda for the 9th Congress at the Golden Boutuique Hotel, Jakarta, from 8-11 July 2023. The event was opened directly by Airlangga Hartarto, Minister for the Economy of the Republic of Indonesia. The agenda for this Congress was also for the first time in history attended by the President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Akiko Gono, the President of ITUC took the time to attend the election event for the President and Secretary General of KSBSI which is held every 4 years.
In her remarks, Akiko Gono expressed her pleasure to meet KSBSI’s colleagues in the labor struggle. Where KSBSI is also part of the ITUC members which represent nearly 200 million members in 167 countries.
“As you all are fully aware that we are facing many challenges, such as the Military Coup in Myanmar, the wars in Ukraine and Sudan which have impacted the standard of living around the world. As well as the impact of the post-pandemic Covid-19, those are examples of several challenges that I can mention,” said Akiko while delivering her speech at the opening of the 9th KSBSI Congress in Jakarta, Saturday, 8 July 2023.
Apart from that, freedom of association in many countries is still being intimidated by the authorities. As in Belarus and Myanmar. Also, workers in Zimbabwe are facing another attack on their right to strike, and there is a similar attack on the public sector underway in the UK.
This has also happened in Indonesia, where the passage of the Omnibus Law on the Omnibus Job Creation Law (UU) has reduced workers’ welfare. As well as protection of workers in the world of work. The Standards Application Committee at the ILO Conference this June, has urged the government to review the Job Creation Law with social partners and immediately adopt the necessary amendments to bring the law into conformity with Convention 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining.
“This means that the ILO also considers that the Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Law is not in accordance with the fundamental conventions of the ILO. Let’s act together that the hard-earned rights of workers must be protected in the future,” she said,
He continued, Akiko conveyed that at the international level, to answer this challenge, the ITUC Congress which was held in November last year in Melbourne adopted a Congressional Statement on the New Social Charter consisting of six workers’ demands. Namely jobs, rights, wages, social protection, equality. and inclusion. Based on the Statement, we are now working and deliberating how to realize our demands. Priorities may vary by country.
“As for labor priorities in Indonesia, you are the one who knows best and please tell us how we can work together and help Indonesian trade unions to reach new contracts in your way,” she explained.
Since he was active in the trade union movement more than 40 years ago, he has observed the development of trade unions in Indonesia. In the 1980s, there was no trade union freedom in Indonesia. So that in 1998, Indonesia entered the reform era, finally freedom of association was very wide open.
This means that when it was still called SBSI, which was established in 1992, it was still considered an illegal organization by the Indonesian government. However, SBSI, with its militant movement, was able to build a network of international trade unions and fought hard to gain recognition as an official labor union.
Currently, KSBSI, along with other trade/worker unions in Indonesia, are among the most active in the Asian region fighting for labor rights. Even though there were many obstacles along the way, such as the government which seemed to prioritize business over workers, which is the key to national development.
“But I’m sure, KSBSI together with other national leaders will overcome difficulties for the advancement of workers. Also, let me assure you that ITUC will always support your justifiable cause,” she said.
Present invited international guests at the IX KSBSI Congress including, Stijn Sintubin-ACV/CSC-Belgium, Laura Eliaerts-ACV/CSC-Belgium, Paapa Danguah-ITUC-Belgium, Jeroen Roskams-WSM-Belgium, Sara Caustermains-WSM-Belgium, Bruno Deceukelier-WSM-Nepal, Patuan Samosir-ITUC AP-Singapore, Anna Tuvera-ITUC AP-Singapore, Akiko Gono-RENGO/ITUC-Japan, Ronaldo Mangampo Adonis-KMU-Phillippine, Mary Ann Castillo-KMU-Phillippine, Julius Cainglet-FFW-Phillippine, Heng Chenda-CLC-Cambodia, Khong Athit-CCAWDU-Cambodia, Chhorn Sokkhoneu’s-CCAWDU-Cambodia, Sok Kin-BWTUC-Cambodia, Sohrab Ali-GBGWF-Bangladesh, Sultana Begum-GBGWF-Bangladesh, Md. Elias-GBGWF-Bangladesh, Hang Thung Hoang-VGCL-Vietnam, Sylvain Goldstein-CGT-France, Elly Rosita Silaban President of KSBSI.
(RED/Handi)
