President Prabowo Subianto met with General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Luc Triangle, and ITUC-Asia Pacific General Secretary Shoya Yoshida at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025, discussing democratization and labor rights issues in Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

In the meeting, Triangle emphasized that stronger democratic governance, protection of trade union rights, and improved social dialogue remain key priorities for the global labour movement.

“We welcome the (Indonesian) President’s willingness to engage in dialogue and listen to the concerns of trade unions. However, words must be followed by action,” Triangle said.

“The protection of fundamental workers’ rights, inclusive social dialogue, and unwavering commitment to democratic institutions are essential − not just for Indonesia, but for the region. We expect Indonesia to play a leadership role in defending democracy, particularly regarding Myanmar,” he added.

On the same occasion, Triangle and Yoshida also highlighted several urgent priorities, namely Tax reforms to increase public investment in healthcare, education, and social protection; Respect for international labor standards in ongoing labor law revisions, including rights to organize and bargain collectively; Full participation of independent trade unions in social dialogue mechanisms; and Stronger regional leadership from Indonesia to pressure Myanmar’s military junta to restore democracy and end repression.

Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Yassierli, who accompanied President Prabowo during the meeting, said the discussion served as an exchange of views on labor conditions in Indonesia and globally. He noted that ITUC shared updates on international labour developments while also acknowledging progress made by Indonesia.

“They shared insights on international conditions and expressed appreciation for what Indonesia has achieved. They also conveyed several important points as input,” Yassierli told reporters.

The Indonesian government is currently reviewing labor law reforms following a court ruling in favor of national labor unions, which limited several provisions of the controversial Omnibus Law.

The meeting underscored Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue with both domestic and international labor organizations to create a fair, productive, and sustainable labour ecosystem.

The ITUC reaffirmed its support for its three Indonesian affiliates − KSPI/CITU, KSPSI, and KSBSI − in their pursuit of decent work, workers’ rights, and democratic governance.

President Prabowo was accompanied in the meeting by Yassierli, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.