National Audience in Pacitan: Ibas Discusses Worker Welfare
The statement was delivered by Ibas at the National Audience event themed ‘Synergy of Workers, Entrepreneurs, and Government for an Advanced Indonesia: Pacitan United in Prosperity’, attended by around 500 workers.
On that occasion, Ibas urged workers to remain grateful for their jobs, especially amid uncertain global conditions.
“In the midst of a global situation filled with wars, energy crises, food shortages, and economic turmoil, we must be thankful for still having decent, legal, and honourable employment. Many people out there are struggling hard to find jobs, while opportunities are limited,” said Ibas in a written statement on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
He extended Labour Day greetings to workers in Pacitan and hoped they would be granted strength and spirit to continue working towards better welfare.
“Happy Labour Day to all workers in Pacitan. May you all be continually granted the strength to work well and become increasingly prosperous,” he stated.
In his speech, Ibas stressed the importance of unity and collaboration between workers, entrepreneurs, and government.
“Without cooperation, nothing can be achieved to the maximum. Collaboration between workers, entrepreneurs, and government is crucial to realising progress,” he said.
“We all must maintain this spirit of hard work and collaboration,” he added.
Ibas even invited audience participants to commit together to shared progress.
“Agreed, right…?” Ibas asked.
As a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the East Java VII electoral district, Ibas affirmed that occupational safety is the top priority in improving worker welfare, starting from the most basic aspect, namely occupational safety.
“Our commitment is the same as yours. We want to ensure that workers operate in safe and protected conditions. Occupational safety is a very important note for us,” he emphasised.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of health guarantees through the BPJS programme.
“Health is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed. We are committed to ensuring that workers receive protection through BPJS Employment and BPJS Health with maximum benefits,” he continued.
Ibas also touched on the importance of humane working hours to maintain a balance between productivity and worker health.
“We believe that productivity must not sacrifice health. Reasonable working hours are very important to preserve workers’ health and strength, because no human can work without rest,” he remarked.
Ibas also conveyed one key point as his commitment to continue listening to all aspirations from workers.
“Your aspirations are our aspirations. We will continue to listen, advocate, and oversee programmes that benefit worker welfare,” he revealed.
On that occasion, Ibas recalled a profound message from Indonesia’s 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, regarding the importance of workers’ role in national development.
“We must continue to strive for the nation’s progress. As President SBY said, ‘Workers are the foundation of progress; without them, we cannot build the country’,” he reminisced.
He expressed his belief in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration regarding attention to worker welfare, including online motorcycle taxi drivers.
“I am confident that President Prabowo’s administration will also continue to pay attention to worker welfare, including our online motorcycle taxi driver friends, who play an important role in our economy,” he stated.
Regarding the minimum wage, Ibas mentioned that Pacitan’s 2026 UMK has increased to Rp 2,514,892 from Rp 2,364,287 in 2025.
“This UMK increase is certainly a positive step for worker welfare in Pacitan, although we still need to consider various existing factors, including economic conditions,” he explained.
In the dialogue session, worker representative Sumarsih appreciated the 0.08% UMK increase but requested a review of the amount considering rising prices of basic necessities.
She also appreciated the distribution of tobacco excise revenue shares to plantation workers, farmers, and tobacco processors. However, on the other hand, she and her fellow workers were concerned about the decreasing allocation of these shares over time.
Sumarsih requested attention from the Pacitan Regent and EBY to address this to support the welfare of cigarette factory workers.
Meanwhile, online motorcycle taxi representative Mawan Hardiyanto appreciated the policy of reducing deductions to 8 percent but hoped it would remain fair for all parties.
In response, Pacitan Regent Indrata Nur Bayuaji emphasised the importance of balance between worker welfare and business sustainability.
“The UMK increase is indeed necessary, but we must still consider business sustainability, so that relations between workers and entrepreneurs remain harmonious and mutually beneficial,” Indrata clarified.
The event further affirmed the importance of collaboration among all elements of society to create a conducive environment for Pacitan’s and Indonesia’s overall progress. Audience participants agreed to continue working together to advance public welfare and realise a more advanced and prosperous Indonesia.