May Day Commemoration: 50,000 West Java Workers to Stage Protest at Monas

Thousands of workers from West Java province will stage a protest at Monas in Jakarta to commemorate May Day or Labour Day on Friday (1/5/2026). They will convey their aspirations directly to President Prabowo Subianto, who is scheduled to attend the event.

“For 1 May, KSPSI in West Java will send around 50,000 members (workers) to join the May Day celebration at Monas with the President of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Roy Jinto, Chairman of KSPSI West Java, on Thursday (30/4/2026).

He explained that union leaders will present aspirations to President Prabowo Subianto and hope for an immediate response. One of the aspirations to be conveyed concerns the new Employment Bill, which is to be ratified in October.

“We will monitor the new Employment Bill to ensure it favours workers,” he said.

He emphasised that workers’ rights and occupational health must be protected. Roy Jinto hopes the president can respond to the aspirations of the working class at this year’s May Day commemoration.

Roy continued that the May Day demonstration in Bandung city is expected not to take place and will be redirected to Jakarta. Moreover, he noted that Gedung Sate is currently under renovation.

“In Bandung, it seems there won’t be any (May Day commemoration). Especially since Gedung Sate is reportedly being repaired,” he said. Once again, he hopes President Prabowo will listen to workers’ aspirations.