KPBI sees shift in labour-state relations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The General Chairman of the Indonesian Workers’ Confederation (KPBI), Ilhamsyah, stated that May Day 2025 and 2026 marked changes in the pattern of relations between the labour movement and the state, particularly the presence of the President and the emergence of several policies.

“There has been progress at the policy level,” said Ilhamsyah in his statement in Jakarta on Sunday, adding the need for changes in the employment structure.

He said that in recent years, especially on May Day 2025 and 2026, there have been changes in the pattern of relations between the labour movement and the state.

According to Ilhamsyah, the attendance of President Prabowo Subianto at the May Day commemoration and the emergence of several policies are seen as marking this change.

In his view, the state is now beginning to enter the symbolic space of the labour movement while responding through policies. However, he reminded that this situation should still be read critically.

“Whether this truly strengthens the labour agenda or is instead a more subtle form of control, that must be tested,” he said.

He continued that the government itself has recently taken several labour-related policies, including the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (PPRT), the formation of a task force for termination of employment (PHK), ratification of ILO Convention 188 on fisheries workers, and restrictions on outsourcing practices.

In addition, on May Day 2026, the government also conveyed plans for building worker housing in industrial areas, providing childcare facilities, strengthening social security, and discussions on drafting a new employment law.

Nevertheless, Ilhamsyah assessed that most of these policies are still in the early stages and have not yet addressed fundamental issues.

“May Day should not just be an annual agenda, but a momentum to push for real changes for workers,” he said.