Marketplace Morning Report Workers take to the streets in Jakarta
Aug 28, 2025
In Jakarta, thousands of workers are rallying for higher wages and lower taxes, revealing deep economic tensions. Meanwhile, China's cheap goods exports to the UK skyrocketed, raising questions about global market dynamics. In a contrasting move, a Kenyan tech firm is introducing Bitcoin in one of Africa’s largest slums, aiming for financial inclusion despite the risks associated with cryptocurrency. These stories highlight the complex narrative of labor rights and economic innovations across various regions.
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Housing Allowance Ignites Wider Discontent
- Lawmakers' proposed housing allowance sparked outrage because it was about ten times average wages, highlighting deep perceived inequality.
- That resentment fuels protests amid rising cost of living and geopolitical economic pressure.
Police Crackdown Followed By Labor-Led Rally
- On Monday police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse mostly student protesters over the housing allowance issue.
- Today, labor unions organized a larger rally focused on minimum wage increases and ending outsourcing laws.
Policy Steps Demanded By Unions
- Raise the minimum wage to address worker grievances; unions asked for about an 8.5% increase.
- Repeal laws allowing broad outsourcing to protect local jobs and reduce precarious work.