Buses Carrying Workers Fill Roads Leading to Monas for May Day
Dozens of buses carrying workers filled the roads leading to the National Monument (Monas) area to attend the May Day commemoration in Central Jakarta on 1 May 2026.
Tempo observations showed dozens of buses queuing along Jalan Kebon Sirih behind the Jakarta Governor’s Office and the DKI Jakarta DPRD building. Buses with plates from various regions lined up along Jalan Kebon Sirih to Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur at 9:00 WIB.
Traffic congestion was also evident along Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan up to the Arjuna Wijaya statue. Buses queued along Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan. The buses dropped off thousands of workers from various regions. Workers arrived by bus or in motorcycle convoys that were parked along Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan.
Labour unions and federations from various regions held May Day commemorations on Friday, 1 May 2026. However, the International Workers’ Day commemoration in Jakarta was split into two locations: the Monas area in Central Jakarta and in front of the People’s Representative Council (DPR) building in Central Jakarta.
The Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), together with the Labour Party, held May Day at Monas. However, it was not a demonstration to voice demands; the May Day at Monas was held in the form of a celebration featuring President Prabowo Subianto.
KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea said the head of state would give a surprise to the trade unions during the 2026 May Day celebration. According to him, the surprise would be delivered directly by Prabowo on the celebration stage.
“It is related to online motorcycle taxis, ILO ratification, and worker welfare policies,” said Andi during a press conference at The Grand Mansion, Menteng, Jakarta on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
President Prabowo, he said, would also give gifts to the workers in the form of T-shirts and umbrellas at the 2026 May Day celebration. According to Andi, the T-shirts were designed directly by the Chairman of the Gerindra Party.