TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Secretariat spokesperson Bey Machmudin has dismissed rumors saying that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s visit to Central Kalimantan today was to avoid mass demonstrations on Job Creation Omnibus Law. Bey stressed that the president’s agenda had been scheduled long days ago.

“The President’s agenda on food estate has been scheduled days ago. So it has nothing to do with tomorrow’s action,” said Bey to reporters on Wednesday night, October 7.

Jokowi departed to Central Kalimantan today to monitor the food estate program, as well as rice cultivation and duck farms in Pandih Batu district. The program was assigned to the Defense Ministry.

“President is concerned about the national food security given the FAO’s warning about a risk of food shortage due to the pandemic. So the President wants to inspect the progress directly,” Bey added.

Demonstrations against Omnibus Law on Job Creation continued since Tuesday, October 6. The peak protest was slated to take place today in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) Building. Protesters also planned to stage a rally before Taman Pandang Istana, Central Jakarta.

The law on Job Creation that was enacted on Monday, October 5, 2020, by the DPR sparked mass protests and strikes. Protesters considered the law detrimental to the public, particularly workers.

Read also: Omnibus Law Rejection Drives Away Investors, Says Observer

EGI ADYATAMA