After May Day at Monas, Labour Demonstrators "Lie Down" in the Park While Waiting for Return Buses

JAKARTA – A number of participants in the International Labour Day (May Day) action that filled the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta chose to rest by lying down while waiting in queues for return buses on Friday (1/5/2026).

Based on Kompas.com observations around 4.30pm WIB, the workers utilised open areas around Monas to relieve fatigue after taking part in the series of activities.

Some were seen lying on plastic mats, while others lay directly on the park grass. Several covered their faces with hats or towels to avoid the scorching sun.

However, around the spots where the workers were resting, rubbish was scattered. Plastic waste from food and drinks dominated the area and was left behind.

At the roadside, pickup buses were seen parked and arriving in turns. Police officers were observed directing traffic flow to ease congestion.

“We’ve been here since morning, quite tiring. While waiting for the bus, the drivers parked far away near GBK,” said Andri.

In the action, Andri, who also works as an online motorcycle taxi driver, hoped that demands related to reducing app commission cuts would be realised.

He referred to President Prabowo Subianto’s statement mentioning that the cuts would be pressed below 10 per cent.

Haidar (43) said something similar, choosing to sit then lie down on a plastic mat brought by his group.

He said the bus queue was quite long, so his group decided to wait while resting.

“Better to sit first than stand for a long time, and lie down at the same time,” he said.

“Earlier the driver said they’re parked at Benyamin. To get here, we have to queue again with the other buses,” he added.

The flow of workers returning from the Monas area was marked by vehicle queues. Buses to minibuses moved slowly at around 15 kilometres per hour.