Gebrak Criticises Labour Unions Close to Power
The Aliansi Gerakan Buruh Bersama Rakyat (Gebrak) has criticised the closeness of several labour unions that celebrated May Day 2026 with the authorities at Monumen Nasional in Jakarta. The criticism was voiced by the Federasi Serikat Buruh Makanan dan Minuman (FSBMM) during a demonstration in front of the House of Representatives building in Jakarta on Friday afternoon, 1 May 2026.
“We are not a line of workers who are having fun and partying,” said Dwi, speaking on behalf of FSBMM from atop a command vehicle in the DPR area.
She stated that workers must guard their hearts, minds, and sanity as a political stance on this International Labour Day. Especially since the current welfare conditions for workers remain concerning. “Stay in the line of resistance for a decent life, for a decent wage,” she said.
Meanwhile, the May Day 2026 commemoration in Jakarta was split into two locations. At Monas, the Konfederasi Serikat Pekerja Seluruh Indonesia (KSPSI) along with the Partai Buruh celebrated May Day with President Prabowo Subianto.
In a separate location, the Gebrak Alliance along with several civil society elements and students held a demonstration in front of the DPR building. They took turns orating to voice demands regarding worker welfare, a fair wage system, and questioning the increasingly eroded democracy due to the authoritarian regime.
During the May Day Fiesta celebration at Monas, the attending workers received basic necessities and T-shirts from President Prabowo Subianto. The contents of the gifts received by the workers included 5 kilograms of rice, oil, milk, coffee, tea, and an umbrella.
The head of state also delivered a speech while attending the May Day celebration at Monas. Prabowo announced that the government will form a Task Force for Mitigating Layoffs and Worker Welfare.
The head of state also stated that the revenue share for online motorcycle drivers must be at least 92%. The General Chairman of Partai Gerindra also urged workers not to hate rich people.
According to him, there are still many wealthy entrepreneurs who provide fair employment. Prabowo said there are still many entrepreneurs who work well. “We need them so that the economy lives,” he said.
He invited workers to behave maturely in dealing with entrepreneurs. He stated that not all entrepreneurs have a rotten or greedy nature.
Nevertheless, Prabowo said he would not tolerate government officials who collude with greedy entrepreneurs. He called them people who become rich by robbing.