Megawati: Workers Are More Than Just a Factor of Production

Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Megawati Soekarnoputri, stated that the commemoration of International Labour Day must be viewed from a historical and cultural perspective. She conveyed this through a video message at the PDIP Labour Day event at GOR Otista, East Jakarta, on Sunday, 3 May 2026.

“The commemoration of 1 May as Labour Day must be seen from a historical and cultural perspective. Because the workers’ struggle is a manifestation of resistance against various chains of colonialism resulting from the workings of capitalism and imperialism,” said Megawati in the video message on Sunday, 3 May 2026.

She alluded to Indonesia’s historical experience during the Cultuurstelsel system, which caused prolonged suffering. According to her, from a cultural perspective, the struggle for economic justice is an essential part of socio-democracy in Pancasila, as well as the ideological goal of Indonesia’s independence.

Megawati also stressed the importance of improving the quality and productivity of workers amid global competition. She said such efforts must be carried out through harmonious and constructive cooperation between the government, entrepreneurs, workers, as well as research and educational institutions.

She stated that workers cannot be viewed merely as a component in economic calculations, but as the main pillar of the nation’s struggle. Together with farmers and fishermen, workers are seen as holding a strategic role in driving self-reliance and welfare, which is a prerequisite for realising social justice for all Indonesian people.

“Workers are not merely a factor of production in economic figures, but the backbone of the struggle and, together with farmers and fishermen, the orientation of the nation’s self-reliance,” she said.

The PDIP Labour Day event was attended by PDIP General Secretary Hasto Kristianto, Deputy Governor of Jakarta and PDIP Deputy Chairman for Culture Rano Karno, Deputy General Secretary for Communication Adian Yunus Yusak Napitupulu, PDIP Chairman for Health Ribka Tjiptaning, and PDIP Chairman for Social Security Charles Honoris. In addition, members of the PDIP Faction in the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council, regional leadership boards, branch leadership boards, branches, and approximately 1,500 informal workers were present.