Hasto Urges Workers to Strengthen Unity in Facing Economic Challenges

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary General of PDIP Hasto Kristiyanto urged all worker elements to unite and collaborate in fighting for welfare and facing the current economic challenges.

“Today I remind us that we must unite, must work together, must roll up our sleeves so that the protection and improvement of our workers’ welfare can be fought for together,” said Hasto at the PDIP International Labour Day Commemoration 2026 with the theme “Banteng Pro Pekerja: Sovereign Workers, Independent Indonesia” held at GOR Otista, East Jakarta, on Sunday.

According to him, togetherness and mutual cooperation are the main strengths to drive changes that favour the little people.

In front of around 1,500 workers present at the event, Hasto recalled the teachings of Indonesia’s First President Soekarno, who positioned the struggle for independence as an effort to free the oppressed people, including workers, farmers, fishermen, and the poor.

According to Hasto, that spirit must continue to be lived in the current national life, especially to ensure that workers obtain their rights, such as freedom of association, work protection, and welfare improvement.

“That is why today we together build our commitment that independence for workers to unionise, to get protection, to get their welfare as an effort to improve Indonesian civilisation must be fought for together,” he explained.

Hasto also highlighted various challenges faced by society today, from rising prices of basic necessities to the increasing difficulty of finding jobs.

Nevertheless, Hasto emphasised that the workers’ struggle is not only aimed at maintaining the existing conditions but also at driving improvements in workers’ quality of life and Indonesian civilisation.

He cited South Korea, which became independent like Indonesia, now able to build industrial strength and improve workers’ welfare.

Therefore, Hasto urged all worker elements to continue strengthening unity and the spirit of mutual cooperation in fighting for workers’ rights.

“Bung Karno, the Father of the Marhaen, ignited our collective spirit that Pancasila is full of narratives of favouring,” said Hasto.

After delivering that message, he along with PDIP DPP officials Mercy Chriesty Barends, Charles Honoris, Ribka Tjiptaning, and Rano Karno handed over souvenirs to worker representatives.