Outsourcing: Puan Maharani Calls for Reforms in Worker Protections
On May Day 2026, Puan Maharani addressed a gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in worker protections. Her remarks came as workers voiced concerns about potential mass layoffs and inadequate outsourcing regulations.
During the event, workers presented 11 demands, with a significant focus on eliminating outsourcing practices that threaten job security. Puan highlighted that the looming layoff of 9,000 workers serves as a serious warning to the government about the fragility of current employment policies.
Puan stated, “This demand should be read on a large scale: policies for jobs actually increase uncertainty in workers’ lives.” She noted that achieving the ambitious goal of creating 19 million jobs over five years will be challenging without a solid industrial foundation.
She also expressed support for forming a dedicated workforce to address layoffs but insisted that work should not cease until employees lose their jobs. This approach aims to protect livelihoods while addressing systemic issues.
Puan welcomed recent developments regarding outsourcing regulations, specifically referencing the seventh version of Permenaker. However, she called for clear limits on what types of outsourcing should be permitted to ensure better worker protection.
Puan also pointed out that the income and job security of digital transport workers—like those driving Ojek Online—should not be viewed as marginal issues. These workers play a crucial role in the economy and deserve equal protections.
The conversation took a somber turn when Puan mentioned a tragic train accident in East Bekasi that resulted in several fatalities among workers returning home. She emphasized the state’s responsibility to ensure safe transportation and adequate facilities for workers’ families.
Puan concluded her speech by affirming that all workers, including domestic helpers and online drivers, deserve equal protection under employment laws. Her statements resonate deeply within communities grappling with job insecurity and economic challenges.
