Jakarta. Thousands of workers staged a protest in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building on Thursday, only to find the complex largely deserted after lawmakers were instructed to work from home.

The decision was based on an official circular issued by DPR Secretary General Indra Iskandar, which directed members of parliament to conduct their duties online as a precaution against the demonstration.

The circular outlined six directives, including a requirement for lawmakers to check in online even while working remotely. It also warned that failure to comply with the WFH policy could result in sanctions, ranging from warnings to deductions in performance allowances.

By late morning, the parliament compound was quiet, with no lawmakers visible on site. Several scheduled working meetings and public hearings were canceled.

Meanwhile, the labor alliance pressed ahead with its rally, demanding that lawmakers address issues such as revisions to labor regulations and other policies seen as harmful to workers.

Protesters were left voicing their demands to an empty building, as no legislators were present to receive them.