May Day 2026 Spotlights Bali Workers' Wages of Around Rp 3 Million, Far from a Decent Living

Wages that fail to meet decent living needs were a key focus during the International Labour Day (May Day) commemorations in 2026 in Bali. Although there were no street demonstrations, labour unions remain committed to advocating for wage increases for workers.

Chairman of the Bali branch of the Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), Wayan Mandra, stated that the current wage levels in Bali are still far from the decent living needs (KHL) figure. Based on survey results, the decent living needs in Bali are around more than Rp 5 million, while the applicable wages remain at about Rp 3 million.

“Wages in Bali are still low. The latest survey is around Rp 5 million something, but what’s implemented is still Rp 3 million something. This is what we need to discuss going forward,” said Mandra after the May Day send-off speech at Renon Field on Friday (1/5/2026).

Mandra mentioned that labour unions have communicated with the Bali Labour Office (Disnaker) to discuss future wage increases. Considering that the last wage increase determination was only carried out in December last year.

“We’ve already discussed this with Disnaker; going forward, we’ll discuss it again,” he concluded.

He emphasised that the struggle to improve workers’ welfare remains a priority, even without protest actions. According to him, aspirations can be conveyed through dialogue and formal mechanisms such as tripartite forums involving workers, employers, and the government.

“There’s the tripartite forum, where there are workers, employers, and the government. That’s where we discuss the existing issues,” said Mandra.

On the other hand, Mandra stressed the importance of balancing business progress with workers’ welfare, especially in Bali, which relies on the tourism sector.

“Businesses advance, workers prosper too. The benefits of tourism should be enjoyed together,” he asserted.

This year’s May Day commemoration in Bali was deliberately packaged without protest rallies to maintain stability and comfort in the tourism sector, prioritising dialogue as the main channel for labour struggles.