TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of workers from various labour unions in North Sumatra rallied to protest the implementation of the tax amnesty scheme by President Joko Widodo's Administration on Thursday, September 29, 2016. The North Sumatran workers' protests centred along the same line as the recent protests that were carried out by labour union members in Jakarta - they believed that the tax amnesty scheme will not improve Indonesia's economic performance, and will disproportionately and negatively impact workers.
According to the protestors, companies that do not protect and respect the rights of their workers are using the tax amnesty scheme to reap further benefits at the expense of their workers. "We have a list of conglomerates who are known to disrespect the rights of their workers - but instead of being punished for their crimes, they were received and consulted by President Joko Widodo at the Palace," said the rally's coordinator, Willy Agus Utomo, during his oration.
According to Willy, the fact that the scheme was made available for offending companies has hurt the heart of millions of workers across the nation, who has waited for years for the state to protect their rights. "We hereby reject President Joko Widodo's tax amnesty scheme," Willy said.
In addition to their rejection of the tax amnesty scheme, the protestors also demanded President Joko Widodo to amend Decree No. 78/2012. "This decree has created a national conundrum - especially when its' impact on the minimum wages regulations are taken into consideration," said Willy.
The rally had caused massive traffic jams across Medan's major thoroughfares - including Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jl. Kartini and Jl. Balai Kota - for four hours. Thousands of motorists were stuck in severe congestions across Medan's city centre, necessitating the deployment of thousands of police officers to divert traffic and maintain order during the rally.
The protesting workers were received by North Sumatra's Governor's Special Aide for Governance, Dinsyah Sitompul - who promised to convey the demands of the workers to the Governor. "Rest assured that your voices will be heard," Dinsyah said in front of the rallying masses.
North Sumatra's Governor, Tengky Erry Nuradi, has promised to meet with the representatives of the workers. "I am currently at the Tax Office - but the representatives of the workers will be invited to a dialogue," said Erry to Tempo on Thursday.
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