As per reports, a demonstration led by a combination of labor unions in front of the Batam Mayor’s office on Wednesday (17 July) highlighted two main issues, namely the increase in basic food prices and the government’s plan to increase fuel oil (BBM) rates.

This demonstration is also part of the national movement against the Job Creation Law which they claim is detrimental to workers. Even though the number of participants in the action was not as large as in previous demonstrations, the presence of hundreds of workers was still closely monitored by joint officers from the Satpol PP and Police, with razor wire surrounding the Batam mayor’s office.