May Day 2026: Workers Fill Main Stage at Monas Wearing Garuda-Printed T-Shirts

Jakarta - A number of workers from various labour unions filled the main stage of the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration in front of the bowl of the National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026).

Kompas.com observations at the location showed that the worker masses in various organisation uniforms had entered the Monas field since 06:30 WIB.

The participants already in the area were then directed by the committee to the west side of the Monas Bowl, right in front of the main stage.

The band KotaK then performed several songs, including “Indonesia Pusaka” and “Beraksi”.

Although a number of workers had already filled the area in front of the stage, many more participants continued to arrive through the southwest gate of Monas.

Around 07:30 WIB, dozens of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers were also seen entering the Monas field area.

The May Day participants mostly wore red-and-white T-shirts with “May Day” writing and a clenched fist logo on the front. The T-shirts were dominated by maroon red with white accents on the sleeves.

On the back, there was “May Day” writing along with an image of the Garuda bird wearing worker attributes while holding a hammer and screwdriver in both hands, surrounded by reddish flame illustrations.

One May Day participant met in front of the main stage, Nurdyana (32), said she received the T-shirt from the committee.

“My husband is a daily casual worker, while I am a housewife. I am attending because I was invited to celebrate May Day,” she said.

She admitted to being present in front of the main stage because she wanted to watch the various entertainments available.

Although not working directly as a labourer, Nurdyana slipped in her hope for better worker welfare.

“Since my husband is a worker, of course I want there to be fair welfare for workers. As it should be,” added Nurdyana.