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Oct 13, 2025 by ludoplayers7.com 105 views

Labor Social Movement and Its Role in the Public Policy Process: Case Study of SBMI Resistance Against North Sumatra UMP Determination

Introduction

Labor social movements have become a crucial phenomenon in Indonesia, particularly after the New Order era. In the midst of the increasingly strengthened neoliberal rise, many trade unions emerged and showed their existence in fighting government policies that were considered unfair. One prominent example is the resistance carried out by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) against the determination of the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) in North Sumatra. This article aims to explore the role of labor social movements in the public policy process, using the SBMI resistance as a case study.

The Transition of the Post-New Order Government System

The transition of the post-New Order government system does bring a number of changes, but not all of these changes have a positive impact on the community, especially workers. The interests of global capitalism are increasingly eroding the rights of workers, and this situation has not shown signs of improvement for the workers. In this context, resistance becomes a key word for workers in Indonesia to demand proper rights and prosperity. The erosion of workers' rights is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

The post-New Order government system has introduced various policies aimed at promoting economic growth and development, but these policies often prioritize the interests of capital owners over those of workers. This has led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor, with workers struggling to make ends meet. The struggle for workers' rights is a fundamental aspect of the labor social movement.

The Role of Labor Social Movements in the Public Policy Process

Labor social movements play a crucial role in shaping public policy, particularly in the context of labor rights. The resistance carried out by SBMI against the determination of the UMP in North Sumatra is a prime example of this. The determination of the UMP is a critical policy instrument that directly affects the welfare and daily life of workers. The efforts of SBMI to change this policy demonstrate the importance of community participation in the decision-making process.

The negotiation process between trade unions and the government is often filled with tensions, where the interests of workers are often ignored. The labor social movement is a powerful tool for workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies. Through persistent struggle, labor social movements are expected to encourage more inclusive and fair policy changes.

The SBMI Case Study: A Global Issue

The SBMI case study appears to be a local issue, but it is actually a global issue that involves international networks that care about labor rights. The issue of labor welfare is a global issue that requires serious attention from various parties. The demonstration and campaigning actions carried out by SBMI are not only local but also involve international networks that care about labor rights.

This shows that the labor social movement is not just a domestic issue but a global phenomenon that requires international attention and support. The global nature of the labor social movement highlights the need for international cooperation and solidarity.

Conclusion

The labor social movement, as carried out by SBMI, shows the importance of community participation in the decision-making process. Only by involving the votes of workers, the resulting public policy can reflect a broader and fair interest, making all parties benefit from the development that occurs. The labor social movement is a powerful tool for workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies.

In the long run, it is hoped that the labor movement can change the paradigm of public policy, which has been more in favor of the authorities, becoming more accommodating the needs and aspirations of workers. The labor social movement is a crucial aspect of the public policy process, and its role cannot be overstated.

Recommendations

Based on the case study of SBMI resistance against the determination of the UMP in North Sumatra, the following recommendations can be made:

Increase community participation in the decision-making process: The labor social movement highlights the importance of community participation in the decision-making process. By involving the votes of workers, the resulting public policy can reflect a broader and fair interest.
Promote international cooperation and solidarity: The global nature of the labor social movement highlights the need for international cooperation and solidarity. International networks that care about labor rights should support and collaborate with labor social movements in Indonesia.
Challenge unjust policies: The labor social movement is a powerful tool for workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies. Labor social movements should continue to challenge policies that erode workers' rights and promote policies that benefit workers.

By following these recommendations, the labor social movement can continue to play a crucial role in shaping public policy and promoting the interests of workers in Indonesia.
Labor Social Movement and Its Role in the Public Policy Process: Case Study of SBMI Resistance Against North Sumatra UMP Determination

Q&A: Labor Social Movement and Its Role in the Public Policy Process

Q: What is the labor social movement, and how does it relate to public policy?

A: The labor social movement is a collective action by workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies. It plays a crucial role in shaping public policy, particularly in the context of labor rights. The labor social movement is a powerful tool for workers to demand their rights and challenge policies that erode their rights.

Q: What is the significance of the SBMI resistance against the determination of the UMP in North Sumatra?

A: The SBMI resistance against the determination of the UMP in North Sumatra is a prime example of the labor social movement in action. It highlights the importance of community participation in the decision-making process and the need for workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies.

Q: How does the labor social movement challenge unjust policies?

A: The labor social movement challenges unjust policies through various means, including demonstrations, campaigning actions, and negotiations with the government. It also involves international networks that care about labor rights, which can provide support and solidarity to labor social movements in Indonesia.

Q: What are the benefits of the labor social movement?

A: The labor social movement has several benefits, including:

Promoting workers' rights: The labor social movement helps to promote workers' rights and challenge policies that erode their rights.
Increasing community participation: The labor social movement increases community participation in the decision-making process, which can lead to more inclusive and fair policies.
Challenging unjust policies: The labor social movement challenges unjust policies and promotes policies that benefit workers.

Q: How can the labor social movement be supported?

A: The labor social movement can be supported through various means, including:

International cooperation and solidarity: International networks that care about labor rights can provide support and solidarity to labor social movements in Indonesia.
Community participation: Community participation in the decision-making process can help to promote more inclusive and fair policies.
Challenging unjust policies: Challenging unjust policies and promoting policies that benefit workers can help to promote the labor social movement.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the labor social movement?

A: The labor social movement faces several challenges, including:

Resistance from the government: The government may resist the labor social movement and challenge its demands.
Lack of international support: The labor social movement may lack international support and solidarity, which can make it difficult to challenge unjust policies.
Internal conflicts: The labor social movement may face internal conflicts, which can make it difficult to promote its demands.

Q: How can the labor social movement overcome these challenges?

A: The labor social movement can overcome these challenges by:

Building international support: Building international support and solidarity can help to promote the labor social movement and challenge unjust policies.
Increasing community participation: Increasing community participation in the decision-making process can help to promote more inclusive and fair policies.
Challenging unjust policies: Challenging unjust policies and promoting policies that benefit workers can help to promote the labor social movement.

By understanding the labor social movement and its role in the public policy process, we can better appreciate the importance of community participation in the decision-making process and the need for workers to demand their rights and challenge unjust policies.