Labour Leader Andi Gani Says Workers Shouting MBG is Useless Are Still Single: They Need Job Opportunities

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – President of the All-Indonesian Confederation of Workers’ Unions (KSPSI) Andi Gani Nena Wea has responded to the viral video of a worker shouting that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is not beneficial during the May Day 2026 celebrations.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the worker in question claimed to be single or unmarried.

“Oh yes, sir, because we are single, sir, so MBG is for families. We would be better off with the opening of job opportunities,” said Andi to Kompas.com, quoting the worker’s statement on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

He then asked the individual about their response.

“We labour leaders understand that the person speaking there is one of our direct members. We know where the uniform comes from; some of them are my members. So I asked, ‘Why don’t you support it?’ ‘Oh yes, sir, because I am not married yet, sir, so I don’t get anything,’” he said.

In the first 12-second video, it shows workers applauding in support when President Prabowo announced that the government is providing the MBG programme.

Meanwhile, the second video is the viral one of the worker crowd shouting that MBG is not beneficial.

He expressed surprise at the differing responses from the workers.

He appreciated the courage of the workers who dared to express their disinterest in the government programme, even though they were directly in front of the President.

“But that is the expression of labour democracy,” he stressed.

Andi Gani also emphasised that the labour movement cannot be steered or briefed to give normative answers.

If they feel uncomfortable or believe the programme does not address their real needs, they will speak out.

“The labour movement cannot be briefed, even in front of the President. We cannot control them to obey, unless we convey that this is for the good, then they are all ready. But if they feel uncomfortable, they will definitely say no. This is something we cannot force,” he explained.

“There is none, no such thing, no reprimands at all, democracy. No, we must not suppress democracy. I don’t want that,” he stated.