KSPSI says May Day 2026 proves strong government-labour relations
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the May Day 2026 Committee and President of the All-Indonesian Labour Confederation (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, stated that this year’s International Labour Day or May Day celebration in 2026 serves as strong evidence of the robust communication between labour unions and the government.
“This is a history of unity and solidarity among Indonesian workers. Hopefully, this spirit will be maintained until May Day 2027,” said Andi Gani in his statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He said the May Day 2026 commemoration at the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta marks a historic moment for the national labour movement.
Andi expressed happiness that the celebration, attended by around 250,000 workers from various regions of Indonesia along with President Prabowo Subianto, proceeded orderly and with great enthusiasm.
“As the Chairman of the May Day 2026 Committee, I am very happy. Around 250,000 workers are present here with Father President Prabowo Subianto. This is an extraordinary day for Indonesian workers,” he said.
“We respect our friends who held actions at the DPR. That is normal in democracy. However, the majority of labour strength is present at Monas and directly conveyed aspirations to the President,” Andi stated.
May Day 2026 is recorded as the largest in recent years.
In addition to being attended by President Prabowo, all labour confederations in Indonesia joined and celebrated together.
Furthermore, he revealed that long before the implementation of May Day 2026, he had met with President Prabowo to specifically discuss the concept of this year’s celebration.
“He specially designed May Day T-shirts and umbrellas for workers in hundreds of thousands. This is an extraordinary form of attention from the President to the working class,” he said.
Concrete Response
On that occasion, Andi Gani also explained that several labour aspirations have received concrete responses from the government, including the establishment of the Layoff Relations Task Force (PHK), tightening of outsourcing regulations, protection for domestic workers, construction of labour hospitals, labour housing programmes, and improvements in worker healthcare services.
“The President has kept his promise. PHK Task Force, tightened outsourcing regulations, protection for domestic workers, labour hospitals, labour housing. All have received serious attention,” he said.
In addition, Andi Gani proposed that labour activists gain access to scholarships from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) to enhance the competence of young labour union generations.
Beyond Expectations
Regarding the new policy on revenue sharing for online motorcycle taxi partners (ojol), Andi welcomed the President’s decision to set the maximum portion for applicator companies below 10 percent, while 92 percent is given to driver partners.
“This is beyond our expectations. Initially, we requested 10 percent for applicators, but the President decided below that. Our ojol friends are very happy,” he said.
Andi also emphasised that the organisation of May Day 2026 did not use state or regional budget funds.
“The May Day 2026 celebration funds do not use government funds. All come from mutual cooperation, support from labour friends, and participant contributions,” he said.
Andi assessed that this step is strategic in accelerating the resolution of various problems faced by workers.
The presence of the Labour Desk, he added, is a real form of Polri’s commitment to providing protection and quick responses to labour issues.