May Day at Monas Livened Up by Garuda-Printed Shirts Distributed Free to Workers

JAKARTA - The May Day commemoration in the National Monument (Monas) area, Central Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026), appeared different. Many action participants were seen wearing clothes with the same design. Based on Kompas.com’s observations at the location, several workers wore maroon-coloured T-shirts with white sleeves. The bird was depicted holding a hammer in its right hand and a key in its left hand. Surrounding it was a circle of fire, with the writing “MAYDAY” at the top. Meanwhile, on the front of the T-shirt, there was the writing “MAY DAY” accompanied by an image of a clenched fist, which symbolises the spirit and unity of workers. One worker, Ayat (30), from Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, said the T-shirts were distributed for free before they headed to Monas. “Earlier, when we gathered at the departure point to go here (Monas). Someone gave them, he was like using a bajaj and behind it was full of clothes and given to all of us,” said Ayat when speaking with Kompas.com on Friday. Ayat mentioned that all workers from his departure point received the T-shirts before heading to the main location. He added that his group, consisting of eight motorbikes, voluntarily wore the T-shirts to appear united. “We had eight motorbikes earlier, so we just wore them to stay united,” said Ayat. The same was conveyed by another worker, Rudi (35). He also admitted to receiving the free T-shirt before heading to Monas. According to him, the use of T-shirts with uniform designs made the May Day commemoration feel more lively and united.