Moeldoko Talks of Paradox in Students Protest Against Job Creation Law

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko has again considered students' protest against the Job Creation Law a paradox. He opined the omnibus law would eventually benefit them when looking for a job in the future.

“I have said about this paradox repeatedly. The government is trying to open up opportunities through the law. But young people, future job seekers, reject it,” said Moeldoko in a written statement on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

He claimed only a small number of them rejected the new law. “Most of them have already understood [the goal of the policy],” Moeldoko added.

He hoped the students would not get provoked during the rally. “Don't be ashamed anymore if you don't join a demonstration. Instead, you should be ashamed if you take part in it when you don't understand its purpose,” said the former military general.

Workers and students had previously denied the claims conveyed by Moeldoko. They believed several articles in the new law were detrimental for workers and even neglected workers’ rights.

In coinciding with the Youth Pledge Day today, students joined in the National Association of University Student Executive Bodies (BEM SI) staged yet another protest, urging President Jokowi to issue a regulation in lieu of law to revoke the Job Creation Law. Labor Unions, meanwhile, planned to hold a national rally again on November 2, 2020.

Read: Students Understanding Omnibus Law Won't Hold Protest, Moeldoko Says

DEWI NURITA