April Spotlight: What’s Happening in the World of HR?

Labour Law / HR Law

11 Workers’ Voices on May Day 2025: From AI, Mass Layoffs, to Internship Exploitation

During the Labour Day (May Day) celebration on May 1, the Indonesian Workers’ Union Association (ASPIRASI) put forward 11 demands.

President of ASPIRASI, Mirah Sumirat, stated that these demands would be presented at the May Day celebration, which is expected to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto at the National Monument (Monas), Jakarta.

Here are the 11 demands from ASPIRASI as conveyed on May Day 2025:

1. Revise the Labour Law by involving workers to ensure it supports employees without neglecting the interests of investors and employers.
2. Stop mass layoffs and create more decent job opportunities for current and future workers.
3. Guarantee freedom of association and collective bargaining, considering around 80% of companies remain anti-union despite the enactment of Law No. 21 of 2000.
4. Establish industrial relations based on Pancasila values through Collective Labour Agreements (CLA) between companies and workers.
5. Find solutions for the impacts of technological advances such as AI and human-machine collaboration in the workforce.
6. Eliminate discriminatory recruitment requirements such as age limits, height, or physical appearance.
7. Provide equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities as part of upholding human rights.
8. Improve the welfare of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers (posyandu).
9. Support a just transition towards a low-carbon economy.
10. Protect the welfare of gig economy workers such as online motorcycle taxi drivers, couriers, and other digital workers, including rights to fair wages, working hours, and social security.
11. End the exploitation of student interns and oversee fair internship practices.

Corporate Info

Merger Talks Between Grab and GoTo Resurface

Rumors of a potential merger between PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GoTo) and Grab have resurfaced, following widespread discussion in February. These talks were reignited after Ecommurz, an account known for commenting on tech company issues, tweeted “GoGrab” on platform X on Wednesday (April 28).

In addition to the tweet, Bloomberg reported that there have been ongoing discussions between the two companies, with indications that Grab may acquire GoTo in a deal valued at over USD 7 billion. The rumor has caused fluctuations in GoTo’s stock price.

In response, GoTo’s management denied any agreement or merger transaction plans. Corporate Secretary R.A. Koesoemohadiani emphasized that the news is merely speculation, which has surfaced multiple times before, and does not affect the company’s operations. However, GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo stated that the company remains open to strategic opportunities that could deliver added value for shareholders.

As of now, no official confirmation has been issued by either party regarding the merger. GoTo and Grab continue to pursue their individual business strategies amid tight competition in Southeast Asia’s tech and ride-hailing industry.

HP Officially Opens Assembly Plant in Batam

HP has officially started operating a laptop and printer assembly plant in Batam, Riau Islands, in collaboration with PT Sat Nusapersada. This initiative aims to empower local businesses and MSMEs while creating new job opportunities for Indonesians.

The assembled products meet the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) requirements, with an average of 27% for laptops and 32% for printers. Some of the products assembled include the HP 240R G9 laptops with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, as well as HP Smart Tank 583 Wireless, 523, and 215 Wireless printers.

According to HP, Batam was chosen as the plant location due to the presence of strong business partners like PT Sat Nusapersada, skilled labor in manufacturing, and a supportive investment ecosystem. Through this investment, HP hopes to attract more investors to Indonesia and strengthen the country’s tech industry ecosystem.

Job Opportunities: Openings at Wings Group and Astra International

PT Astra International Tbk has reopened recruitment for various strategic positions open to bachelor’s and master’s graduates from various disciplines. Available roles include those in engineering, finance, marketing, human resources, and information technology. Applications can be submitted online via the official Astra Career website: https://career.astra.co.id/lowongan/

Wings Group is also offering job opportunities through its Wings Graduate Trainee Program (WGTP) and Wings Fast-Track Program (WFTP) 2025, targeting fresh graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from various fields. Positions include sales, distribution, finance, and accounting.

Additionally, Wings Group is hiring operators and administrative staff, with qualifications ranging from high school/vocational school graduates to bachelor’s degree holders. All candidates must be willing to be placed in various company locations across Sumatra, Java, and West Kalimantan. Applications can be submitted via the official Wings Career website: https://wingscareer.com

Discover the Best Career Opportunities at RecruitFirst Indonesia!

Looking for new career opportunities? Several leading companies are currently hiring for a wide range of positions for talented professionals across different sectors. Openings include roles in technology, marketing, customer service, and management.

For more information, please visit the job openings section on the RecruitFirst Indonesia website.