Debate grows as President Prabowo pushes plan for new council, with unions divided on purpose and power
Indonesia’s proposal to establish a National Workers’ Welfare Council (DKBN) has triggered sharp debate. Supporters see it as recognition of labor voices, while critics dismiss it as redundant or even political gimmickry.
Presidential Initiative
President Prabowo Subianto first floated the DKBN idea during May Day celebrations in May 2025, presenting it as a “gift” to Indonesian workers. The council, he said, would unite union leaders and advise the president on problematic laws and labor conditions. On September 1, he reiterated this plan when meeting representatives from four major labor confederations at the Presidential Palace.
Union Leaders Respond
Andi Gani of KSPSI confirmed the president intends to announce the DKBN’s structure soon. He hinted at six union leaders joining but stressed they would not accept ministerial-level posts. “We do not seek high office or salaries—better the DKBN be a forum that coordinates with ministries,” he said. Said Iqbal of KSPI added that unions could serve as advisers rather than government officials, noting that a presidential decree (Keppres) establishing the DKBN has already been signed.
Academic And NGO Concerns
Not everyone is convinced. UGM law lecturer Nabiyla Risfa Izzati questioned whether the DKBN would truly wield policymaking power. She argued that existing bodies—the Tripartite Cooperation Institution (LKS Tripartit) and the National Wage Council—already represent workers, though often ineffectively. “Rather than creating a new body, government should strengthen existing ones with research, funding, and academic support,” she said.
Fear Of Political Instrumentalization
Civil society voices, such as Syarif Arifin of the Labor Information Institute (LIPS), warned that the DKBN could become a political tool to pacify dissent amid social tensions. With Indonesia already facing protests over employment and economic reforms, skeptics see the council as more symbolic than substantive.
Workers Divided On Urgency
Some union leaders welcome the initiative in principle but admit there has been little discussion among confederations. Said Iqbal acknowledged unions had not formally debated the DKBN, while Jumhur Hidayat stressed the issue was absent from his meeting with the president. Social media reaction has been skeptical, with users accusing the government of “job-sharing politics” rather than genuine reform.
Broader Labor Policy Context
The DKBN debate comes as Prabowo’s administration promises to advance key bills, including the Employment Bill and Asset Seizure Bill. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has highlighted another measure: a special task force on layoffs (Satgas PHK) aimed at job security. Whether the DKBN complements or competes with these existing mechanisms remains unclear.
The National Workers’ Welfare Council embodies both promise and uncertainty. For some, it signals long-overdue recognition of worker voices at the national level; for others, it risks diluting existing institutions and becoming a mere political gesture. With union leaders cautious and the public skeptical, the DKBN’s true value will depend less on its announcement and more on whether it can deliver tangible improvements for both formal and informal workers across Indonesia.
Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , Kompas.id (2025)
Keywords: Workers Welfare Council, Prabowo Subianto, Labor Unions Indonesia, DKBN Debate, Employment Policy, National Workers Council
