Indonesian government dismisses concerns over sweeping omnibus bill

Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto gestures during the Indonesia Onward Cabinet announcement by President Joko Widodo on Oct. 23, 2019. - JP/ANN

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/ANN): The Indonesian government has dismissed concerns the omnibus bill on job creation will centralise power under the president as lawmakers express concerns the bill will be a setback for democracy.

Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the president would only be able to revoke regulations issued by administrations below the central government, including regional bylaws and ministerial regulations, based on the country’s regulation hierarchy.