The Student Association of the Social Welfare Studies Program (HMPS IKS) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Discussion Circle (LDKS), held a public forum on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Serbuk Secretariat.

The event, titled “Social Inequality and Workers’ Rights in the 17+8 Movement,” featured two speakers: Rifki Almunawar, a 2021 graduate of the Social Welfare Studies Program, and Donny Pradana WR of the SERBUK organizing team, with Wahab Amrullah serving as moderator.

The discussion explored a wide range of labor issues, from persistent wage gaps between men and women to the rise of precarious work and the misuse of fixed-term employment contracts (PKWT). Data presented from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) underscored the disparities: male workers earn an average of Rp3.3 million, while female workers earn between Rp2.5 and Rp3 million.

Speakers also highlighted the mounting challenges faced by labor unions amid state policies that have triggered mass layoffs, limited job creation, and the growing prevalence of outsourcing systems. Both emphasized the critical role of social workers in pushing for change—through education, advocacy, strengthening labor unions, and sustained dialogue with the government.

The conversation extended to pressing social issues beyond the workplace, including a recent mass food poisoning case in Sleman that sickened thousands of children, cited as a stark reminder of wider systemic vulnerabilities.

During a lively Q&A, participants asked about forms of social movements beyond street demonstrations and how today’s activism compares to the movements of 1998. The speakers noted that while protests remain relevant, contemporary social movements are increasingly diverse, spanning political engagement, policy advocacy, and public education.

The event concluded with a group photo. Organizers expressed hope that the forum would deepen students’ understanding of labor rights and social inequality, while empowering young academics to contribute to building greater social justice for all workers.