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Good evening folks! The Omnibus Law in Indonesia was passed on Monday, resulting in protests erupting all over the nation. We had a team on the ground at the mass demo in Medan today where protesters clashed violently with police.
There was a heavy police presence on the ground in front of the Legislative Assembly, with police in riot gear protecting the building. Photo by @Tonggo_17
Labour unions have been protesting the Omnibus Law since its inception, which they said will violate workers’ rights and entitlements, such as cut wages, strip workers of important sick leave provisions, and undermine job security.
Police used water cannons on the protestors and fired tear gas into the crowd. Video by @AisyahHukum
The bill is part of economic reforms to boost foreign investment and counter the economic impact of #COVID19 by overhauling tax and labour market laws. It will change 73 existing statutes from halal certification to building permits.
Protestors in turn set fire to flower boards, tires and motorbikes across the city. Video by @Tonggo_17
@SCMPNews wrote an explainer on the Omnibus Law, what it will change, and if the bill is needed given the state of the economy: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3098094/indonesia-says-omnibus-law-will-create-jobs-attract-foreign
In addition to protesting outside the Legislative Assembly in Medan, protestors also marched through the centre of the city to protest against the much-hated Omnibus Law. Photo by @Tonggo_17
Environmental protection agencies have spoken against the Omnibus Law, stating it poses a significant threat to anti-deforestation efforts. https://news.mongabay.com/2020/08/indonesia-omnibus-deregulation-bill-pass-october/
For an opposite viewpoint on the issue, @jakpost ran this editorial on the benefits of the Omnibus Law: https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/10/07/omnibus-law-biggest-big-bang-reform-ever.html
