World Bank says Indonesia's reforms may hurt environment, labour rights
Source: Reuters
ENVIRONMENT JULY 16, 2020 / 1:35 AM / UPDATED 28 MINUTES AGO
World Bank says Indonesia's reforms may hurt environment, labour rights
JAKARTA (Reuters) - The World Bank on Thursday criticised some of Indonesia’s planned reforms to make environmental and labour rules more business friendly, warning they could have adverse effects, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday’s release of a report by the bank coincided with trade union protests in several cities seeking cancellation of an “omnibus bill” that aims to revise dozens of existing laws to ease the way for investment in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
The World Bank described the bill as “a potential step in the right direction”, praising measures to remove discriminatory practices against foreign investors and streamline export-import rules.
However, “the bill includes reforms that could have adverse effects on people’s health and safety, natural assets, and labor rights,” the multilateral lender wrote in the report.
Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director Indonesia and Timor Leste, told a streamed briefing the bank is concerned with the relaxation of environmental study requirements.
-snip-
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-economy-worldbank/world-bank-says-indonesias-reforms-may-hurt-environment-labour-rights-idUSKCN24H0M3
