Garuda Pilot Association Assures Hajj Flights Will Proceed Despite Internal Issues

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Garuda Indonesia Pilot Association (APG) President, Ruli Wijaya, ensured that the internal conflict between the management and the Garuda employee union would not affect the hajj flight service. "I can ensure that nothing will disrupt the hajj flights, I guarantee it," Ruli said during a press conference in Bintaro, South Tangerang, on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Ruli stated that the hajj flights are a national agenda and will bring blessings for Indonesia. He assured that the hajj flights will continue normally until the pilgrims are returned to their homelands.

The ongoing conflict between Garuda Indonesia's employees and management has caused unrest among the pilots.

Some of the triggers for the internal conflict within Garuda Indonesia are the recruitment process of 14 former Lion Air employees, a reduction in union membership fees, and allegations of criminalization of union officials.

The Garuda Indonesia Pilot Association expressed concern over the prolonged conflict between management and the national airline's employees. "This conflict has caused unrest within the company, including among the pilots," said Ruli.

The APG then presented five points in responding to the turmoil within the state-owned company. First, the recruitment that is not in line with Good Corporate Governance (GCG) and the spirit of efficiency.

"We have observed that the implementation of the recruitment program carried out by the management contains several irregularities that need to be re-evaluated, especially from the perspective of Good Corporate Governance (GCG)," said APG Vice President Rendy Wiryo Kusumo.

In addition, Rendy said that this step also does not align with the spirit of efficiency, which is currently the main focus of the government and the company.

Second, there was a communication failure between management and the employee union. According to Rendy, ineffective communication between management and the Employee Union has hindered the creation of a harmonious industrial relationship between employees and management, which should be the basis for building a healthy company.

APG highlighted the restriction of freedom of speech as the third issue. "Even though our efforts to express opinions have been carried out in accordance with company regulations and prevailing laws, they are often met with restrictions," said Rendy.

However, he said that all input provided is a form of concern for Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier. "Unfortunately, the management tends to see us as opponents, rather than recognizing the contribution potential of our experience and competence as part of the company's strategic assets."

The fourth point is the unilateral termination of union fee deductions. Rendy suspected an attempt to weaken the Employee Union through the sudden termination of membership fee deductions from the employee payroll system.

"This step reflects a lack of good faith on the company's part in maintaining a healthy partnership between the Union and Management in building PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk," he said.

As for the fifth point, the APG responded to the allegation that union officials were being criminalized. An allegation has been made that the Employee Union Chairpersons were criminalized through a police report regarding the press release issued by the Joint Secretariat.

"This action is questionable, as it is not in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees the right of every citizen to join a union and express opinions, both verbally and in writing," said Rendy.

In response to these issues, APG asked President Prabowo Subianto, SOE Minister Erick Thohir, and shareholders to comprehensively evaluate the performance of Garuda Indonesia's management. "In order to maintain the sustainability of the Garuda Indonesia business while still prioritizing aspects of safety and providing the best service to customers," said Ruli.

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