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Labor leader previously backing Prabowo now declares support for Jokowi
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Workers stage a protest on Aug. 16 near the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta against the government's plan to revise the 2003 Manpower Law. (Antara/Galih Pradipta)
C
o:p>Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) president Said Iqbal has met with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and expressed his support for the government, despite backing Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto in the presidential election earlier this year.
Said said his confederation would support the President's inauguration on Oct. 20 and hoped the government would "carry out the mandate of the people."
"Workers are part of the people, and we have an interest in communicating several ideas to the President and to ensure that the government carries them out in a constitutional and peaceful manner," he said after the meeting on Monday.
The KSPI had declared its support for Prabowo's presidential bid during last year's May Day rallies, with Said being promised the manpower minister position.
Said implied that the possibility was still open, saying the President was "considering" his suggestion that "the Manpower Ministry be headed by [someone] from a labor union."
Jokowi confirmed that he was considering the idea.
"There are many suggestions, including suggestions on [minister] positions," the President said. "We will accommodate all of these as good suggestions."
The meeting, which was also attended by Confederation of All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI) president Andi Gani, also discussed the planned revision of the 2003 Manpower Law, which has drawn criticism from some labor groups.
"Basically, we have asked the government to work with us on the Manpower Law revision," Andi said. "Most importantly, as the leaders of Indonesia's two largest labor confederations, we reiterate our full support of Pak Jokowi."
The meeting comes amid nationwide protests that several labor groups have taken part in, expressing disappointment with the government and the House of Representatives. (kmt)
