FSPM Bali Demands Workers' Rights Amid Job Termination Controversy

In a striking demonstration of solidarity, approximately 150 members of the Bali Regional Federation of Independent Workers (FSPM) gathered on August 11, 2026, in front of the PT Angkasa Pura Supports (APS) office in Denpasar, demanding the reinstatement of six employees who were allegedly terminated unjustly. This protest unfolded in a busy area near Ngurah Rai International Airport, where demonstrators expressed their grievances amidst heavy traffic.

The protest commenced just after noon with participants carrying banners and umbrellas, echoing their demands through chants that included poignant phrases such as, "Those who fly the planes, those who fall are the workers' rights" and "Rehire or revoke the unilateral termination of six PT APS workers treated unfairly." The police and local security personnel, known as pecalang, maintained a presence to ensure order while managing the flow of traffic.

Ida I Dewa Made Rai Budi Darsana, the Secretary of FSPM Regional Bali, articulated the urgency of the situation during his speech, stating, "This case is a test of legal certainty, particularly in relation to fulfilling workers' rights and protecting the freedom to associate. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to the public today; we are here to advocate for our colleagues' justice. They have dedicated decades to the company, only to receive a lack of empathy in return, and that is what we are fighting against today."

This protest was not an isolated incident; it followed previous demonstrations, including one on May 1, 2026, during International Workers' Day, where FSPM also raised concerns about the injustices faced by workers in Bali’s tourism sector. As of August 2026, the union expressed frustration that their previous demands had yet to be addressed.

The terminations at the heart of this protest stemmed from a series of events involving six workers who had been classified as "project employees" since 2022. Following a legitimate work stoppage in August 2024, PT APS issued the dismissals on November 30, 2024. In response, the Badung Labor Office had issued a recommendation on January 8, 2026, mandating the cancellation of these terminations and the payment of wages during the dispute, but this directive was ignored by the company.

On July 6, 2026, FSPM escalated their concerns by filing a complaint with the Bali Provincial Supervisory Board, urging them to investigate the alleged violations regarding wages and workers' rights. In parallel, a report of union-busting was already under review by the Bali Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate.

The protest concluded around 2:00 PM WITA, with no immediate response from PT APS regarding the demonstrators' demands. The FSPM outlined several key demands, including the immediate execution of the mediator's recommendation to reinstate the six terminated workers and pay owed wages, respect for the rights to organize and assemble, and a call for the Bali Provincial Labor Supervisory Office to act on the complaints received in July.

As Bali continues to navigate its complex socio-economic landscape, the plight of these workers underscores broader issues of labor rights and corporate accountability in a region heavily reliant on tourism and its associated industries. The ongoing tensions between labor unions and employers highlight the urgent need for fair labor practices and the protection of workers' rights in the face of economic challenges.