In the last few weeks there have been huge demonstrations by far right Islamic groups calling for the resignation of Jakarta’s governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, for blasphemy. While the demonstrations on the 4 November and on the 2 December, saw hundreds of thousands of working class people take part, many of the workers involved were not part of these religious groups. For many workers, their anger against Ahok is related to his policies of large slum clearance program which has affected many poor working class communities in Jakarta. In addition, trade unions are protesting against the inadequate new minimum wage for the Jakarta region, though this has proved divisive for the workers’ movement.
In the last few weeks there have been huge demonstrations by far right Islamic groups calling for the resignation of Jakarta’s governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, for blasphemy. While the demonstrations on the 4 November and on the 2 December, saw hundreds of thousands of working class people take part, many of the workers involved were not part of these religious groups. For many workers, their anger against Ahok is related to his policies of large slum clearance program which has affected many poor working class communities in Jakarta. In addition, trade unions are protesting against the inadequate new minimum wage for the Jakarta region, though this has proved divisive for the workers’ movement.
