President Prabowo Subianto has officially appointed Said Iqbal as the Special Presidential Advisor for Labor and Workers’ Welfare. The appointment, announced in Jakarta, is designed to integrate the perspective of the working class into the national policy-making process as Indonesia faces uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions.
Why the appointment matters for labor policy
The move represents an effort by the administration to incorporate direct input from labor representatives, a demographic that President Prabowo Subianto has sought to support as part of his platform. According to Said Iqbal, while the administration has historically received significant advice regarding capital ownership from figures such as Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Airlangga Hartarto, Bahlil Lahadalia, and Rosan Roeslani, there has been a notable absence of formal representation for the working class.
By bringing in a labor perspective, the President aims to maintain a balance in national discourse. Said Iqbal noted that his role is intended to ensure the voices of workers, farmers, fishers, and teachers are heard alongside those of the business community.
Said Iqbal, who also serves as the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labor Party, accepted the role because he believes the administration’s current platform aligns with the interests of small-scale workers and rural laborers.
Key labor issues requiring immediate attention
Yahya Zaini, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), welcomed the appointment on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. He outlined several critical areas where he expects the new advisor to provide comprehensive input. These include the management of foreign workers, the implementation of fixed-term employment contracts, wage structures, and the handling of layoffs.
Yahya emphasized that the administration is currently considering potential changes to the Law on Manpower. He expressed hope that Said Iqbal’s involvement will ensure that any future revisions to this legislation are informed by the original concerns and aspirations of the workforce.
The structural inclusion of a labor leader as a special advisor marks a potential shift in how the government balances industrial development with worker rights. By formalizing this channel, the administration may be attempting to preemptively manage labor unrest during upcoming legislative cycles, though the success of this strategy will depend on the weight given to these recommendations compared to the interests of the business sector.
What may happen next
Following this appointment, observers expect the government to initiate a more rigorous review of existing labor regulations. Given the legislative priorities mentioned by Yahya Zaini, it is likely that the government will begin drafting revisions to the labor law. The effectiveness of this move will likely be measured by how the new advisor navigates the tension between the interests of capital owners and the demands of labor unions regarding wage and employment security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official title of the position held by Said Iqbal?
Said Iqbal has been appointed as the Special Presidential Advisor for Labor and Workers’ Welfare.
Which specific labor issues have been identified as priorities for the new advisor?
According to Yahya Zaini, the primary issues include the status of foreign workers, fixed-term employment contracts, wage policies, and the management of layoffs.
Why did Said Iqbal agree to take on this government role?
Said Iqbal stated that he accepted the position because President Prabowo Subianto’s platform shows a commitment to the small-scale population, including laborers, farmers, fishers, and teachers, and he intends to provide input to maintain balance in policy-making.
How do you think this new advisory role will impact the relationship between the government and labor organizations in the long term?
