May Day: Prabowo Announces Series of Latest Labour Policies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto announced a series of new policies and instructions related to labour during the International Labour Day (May Day) event at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Friday, as a form of support for workers. First, Prabowo has signed Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 on the Ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 188, which covers protection and welfare for fishery vessel crew. “For the first time in the history of the Republic of Indonesia, fishermen are being taken care of. All of them, approximately six million fishermen, along with their children and wives—more than 20 million Indonesian citizens—will have their lives improved and prosper,” he said. Key provisions in the convention, he continued, include ensuring adequate accommodation on board for crew members, sufficient food and drinking water, written employment contracts, and access to social security benefits. Under the regulation, online transport driver partners will receive occupational health guarantees and at least 92 per cent of the customer fare as their share. Third, Prabowo stated that the government will accelerate the construction of one million affordable homes for workers this year. He hopes this initiative will help workers own homes without needing to set aside their salaries for rent. Fourth, Prabowo explained that he has instructed the Minister of Manpower and the Minister of Law to collaborate with the House of Representatives (DPR) to finalise the draft Labour Bill this year. This acceleration aligns with labour unions’ demands for greater protection of workers’ rights. “I have also instructed the Minister of Manpower and the Minister of Law to immediately work with the DPR to finalise the Labour Bill. If possible, it must be completed this year, and the law must favour the working class,” he added.