First Time Joining May Day in Jakarta, Central Java Resident Hopes for Affordable Staple Goods
“Yes, this is the first time I’ve directly joined in Jakarta. Usually, I just watch it on TV. Suddenly, my fellow workers invited me here,” said Zuratman at Monas on Friday (1/5/2026).
Zuratman undertook a long journey to attend in Jakarta. He departed from Cilacap on Thursday night (30/4).
“It’s quite far. I left last night around 7 p.m. from Cilacap by bus with friends. We arrived in Jakarta around 4 a.m.,” he said.
Despite the tiring journey, Zuratman remained enthusiastic about participating in the Labour Day celebrations. He felt happy to directly experience the atmosphere of the action with other workers.
“Tired, of course, but also happy. Since it’s my first experience, I’m just enthusiastic,” he stated.
According to him, participating in this May Day is not only to feel the celebratory atmosphere but also to voice workers’ aspirations. He also admitted to being interested in the free staple goods distribution at the location.
“I want to directly experience the Labour Day atmosphere, and also voice aspirations. Besides that, apparently there’s free staple goods distribution, so I’ll join the queue later too,” he said.
Zuratman hopes the government can pay more attention to workers’ welfare, especially regarding the prices of basic necessities, which he considers to be increasing.
“I want workers to prosper, basic commodity prices not to rise. In essence, affordable staple goods. The important thing is attention to the people. So far, when basic commodities rise, we just follow, but it’s better if they’re made cheaper,” he said.
He assessed that the free staple goods assistance is quite helpful in easing household needs amid the current economic conditions.
“This free staple goods is quite helpful for household needs. Especially now, the situation is also tough,” he added.
Zuratman also hopes for wage increases and better job guarantees for workers in the future.
“Basically, the government should pay more attention to workers’ welfare, decent wages, and better job guarantees,” he concluded.
It is known that President Prabowo Subianto attended the action to commemorate International Labour Day on 1 May or May Day at the National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta. This year marks the second time Prabowo has attended the Labour Day action.