IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid strongly criticized the ratification of the omnibus law on Job Creation by the House of Representatives (DPR). He argued that this showed the lack of commitment of the government and the parliament to uphold human rights.
“People who oppose the substance of the law and the procedures of the bill drafting are not considered by policymakers at all,” said Usman in a written statement on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
The House officially passed the omnibus bill on Monday, October 5, 2020, despite its first level deliberation only completed on Saturday, October 3.
Usman opined that the House members and the government preferred to listen to small groups benefited from this new policy, while the rights of millions of workers were now under threat.
The law, he went on, could also provide chances for employers to exploit labor and neglect the minimum wage regulation.
“Not to mention that companies are no longer obliged to appoint contracted workers to become permanent employees. Such a rule potentially causes unfair treatment for workers,” Usman said.
Amnesty International Indonesia then urged the DPR members to revise the problematic regulations in the Job Creation Law. “Don’t let this be the start of a new human rights crisis where people who oppose the new policy are forced to be silent,” said Usman.
The government, said Usman, must also protect and ensure the freedom of speech and expression of people who are disadvantaged by the omnibus law and not use the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse.
Read also: Fate of Four Controversial Articles in Job Creation Law
EGI ADYATAMA
