A Glimpse into Marsinah's Childhood Room: President Prabowo: It is an Honour for Me
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Marsinah Museum and a rest house in Nglundo Village, Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday, as a tribute to the struggles of Indonesian labourers and to commemorate the legendary labour activist, Marsinah.
The inauguration of the museum marked an emotional moment after Marsinah was officially awarded the title of National Hero on 10 November 2025. On that occasion, Prabowo said he felt honoured to inaugurate the museum built in Marsinah’s childhood home.
“Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. This Saturday morning, 16 May 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate the Marsinah Museum and the rest house in Nganjuk Regency, East Java Province,” said Prabowo during the event, which was monitored via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
Before the inauguration, Prabowo was seen touring the museum to see firsthand Marsinah’s room and some of her belongings, which have been preserved in their original condition. This moment attracted public attention as it showed the simple life of the labour activist, whose name has become a symbol of the struggle for Indonesian workers.
Prabowo revealed that the proposal to make Marsinah a National Hero came directly from labour organisations and was agreed upon collectively. “I was honoured to make her a national hero, and at that time they asked that I inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk. Very well, I will come,” said Prabowo.
The Marsinah Museum was built as a memorial space for the struggles of Indonesian labourers. In addition to storing archives and personal belongings of Marsinah, the area is also equipped with a rest house for workers from various regions.
Marsinah is known as a labour activist who fought for workers’ rights during the New Order era. She became a negotiator for hundreds of workers who went on strike because the company she worked for was accused of not implementing minimum wages and freedom of association.
Marsinah then disappeared on 5 May 1993. Four days later, her body was found in a terrible condition. Her death became one of the dark symbols of human rights violations and the struggle for labour rights in Indonesia.