Dozens of Informal Female Workers in Yogyakarta Hold Group Yoga Session to Commemorate May Day

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Dozens of women from several informal worker unions affiliated with the Jaringan Advokasi Melindungi Pekerja Informal (JAMPI) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) held a group yoga session as part of their May Day (International Labour Day) action in 2026 at the provincial DPRD grounds on Friday.

The group yoga was chosen as a sympathetic action to maintain health while reducing the stress experienced by these informal female workers, participated in by domestic workers, porters, home-based female workers, independent workers, and former migrants.

According to her, many informal workers face economic pressures due to uncertain employment, declining incomes, rising prices of basic necessities, and continuously increasing family needs.

“Such conditions cause some informal workers to experience psychological stress, due to difficulties in finding new jobs and meeting daily needs; amidst their difficulties, their work is also unavailable,” she said.

She stated that the yoga in the May Day action provided a space for informal workers to relieve fatigue while strengthening solidarity among union members.

“We chose yoga as healing, as a way to re-energise our togetherness,” she said.

Hikmah said the activity also gave informal workers, especially women, a chance to briefly rest from the burdens of work and household responsibilities.

She hopes that simple activities like yoga can help informal workers regain their spirit in facing daily life amid difficult economic conditions.

“Healthy, able to laugh, smile, forget for a moment, but hoping it will have a little impact moving forward,” she said.