Workers and Democracy: The Indonesian Labour Movement, 1949-1957

This book examines workers' activism and labor unions in Indonesia between 1949 and 1957, during a period of liberal parliamentary democracy. It highlights the agency of workers and the challenges they faced, including ideological conflict, competing union federations, employer opposition, and state management of industrial conflict. The imposition of martial law in 1957 marked the end of parliamentary democracy and suppressed workers' rights. It wasn't until the collapse of Suharto's New Order regime in 1998 that Indonesian workers regained the freedom of association and the right to engage in collective action.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: NUS Press

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of workers' activism and labor unions during a pivotal period in Indonesian history, spanning eight years from the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty by the Netherlands at the end of December 1949 to the nationalization of Dutch assets in December 1957. By examining the actions and strategies of workers and union organizations, it sheds light on the re-evaluation of the era of liberal parliamentary democracy in Indonesia. The central focus lies in the agency of workers and the intricate structures, tactics, and industrial campaigns pursued by unions amidst intense ideological conflict, rival union federations, employer opposition to collective action, and the efforts of the Indonesian state to manage industrial disputes.

However, the imposition of martial law in March 1957 marked a significant turning point, effectively ending parliamentary democracy and curtailing the freedom of workers and unions to engage in collective action. It took until the collapse of Suharto's New Order regime in 1998 for Indonesian workers to regain the fundamental rights of freedom of association and the right to engage in collective bargaining.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of labor relations, workers' movements, and the political dynamics in Indonesia during this critical period. It provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by workers and union organizations, as well as the strategies they employed to advocate for their rights and interests. Through its analysis, the book contributes to our understanding of the historical roots of contemporary labor issues in Indonesia and sheds light on the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and social justice.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789813251601