Khofifah Calls for Collaboration to Realise Advanced Industry and Prosperous Workers

Surabaya - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called on workers, entrepreneurs, and the government to bolster collaboration in order to realise industrial advancement and enhance worker welfare during the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration in 2026 in Surabaya on Friday. “May Day serves as a shared space for reflection to strengthen synergy among workers, entrepreneurs, and the government. With strong collaboration, we can realise an advanced industry while ensuring worker welfare,” Khofifah stated. She noted that harmonious industrial relations are key to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth in East Java. The East Java Provincial Government (Pemprov) is committed to introducing policies that favour workers while creating a conducive investment climate for the business world. “We want to ensure that industrial growth goes hand in hand with improvements in worker welfare. No one should be left behind. Everyone must grow together,” she said. Khofifah also highlighted the importance of labour protection through participation in social security for employment and health as a basic right of workers. “Social protection for workers is non-negotiable. This is part of our efforts to ensure workers can work safely, productively, and have future guarantees,” she stated. Furthermore, she assessed that increasing worker productivity is a crucial factor in driving East Java’s economic growth, thus necessitating continuous strengthening of skills, work discipline, and technological adaptation. She said that enhancing human resource competencies can be achieved through vocational training, upskilling, and reskilling to enable workers to adapt to industrial developments and digital transformation. “Workers must continuously have their capacities improved to meet future industrial challenges. This is where the role of collaboration becomes very important,” she said. Khofifah also expressed appreciation to all workers in East Java, whom she considers to have contributed to the region’s development and economic growth. “I convey my deepest thanks and highest appreciation to all workers who have given dedication and real contributions to East Java’s development,” she stated. She hopes that the 2026 May Day momentum can further strengthen harmonious, productive, and fair industrial relations in East Java. “With one determination and one goal, we are optimistic about realising shared welfare and propelling East Java to become an increasingly advanced and competitive province,” she said.