Labour Minister Prepares "Gift" for Workers Ahead of May Day 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli has revealed that he is preparing a “gift” for workers/labourers ahead of Labour Day or May Day 2026, which falls on 1 May. He made this statement in response to questions regarding the government’s anticipatory measures and mitigation steps concerning layoffs (PHK) recorded from the beginning of the year up to March 2026, affecting 8,389 people. “Wait, there will be an announcement from the government later. We will form something later, just wait,” said the Minister when met in Jakarta on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Yassierli declined to provide further information about the “gift” for workers/labourers next month. Previously, the President of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, stated that labourers would bring several key issues to the Labour Day commemoration in 2026. The first is the ratification of the Labour Bill following the Constitutional Court’s (MK) order regarding the formation of a new Employment Law within a maximum of two years. He emphasised that the law in question is a new one, not a revision or patchwork of existing regulations. Furthermore, the fourth demand is to halt the threat of layoffs due to the impact of global wars and import policies. Said Iqbal revealed that there are currently around 10 companies in West Java, Central Java, and parts of East Java that have begun discussing workforce efficiency. “Fifth, urging the ratification of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT). Sixth, supporting the ratification of the Asset Confiscation Bill for eradicating corruption. Seventh, setting a maximum 10 percent cut for online motorcycle taxis, and eighth, urging the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace, particularly against women,” he explained.