National Labor Day

National Labor Day

From Media Indonesia

The struggle to win recognition for May 1, celebrated as Labor Day all over the world and acknowledged in this country, is not something unusual. However, it would be a good idea if the day were celebrated nationwide.

There have been quite a few casualties, including Marsinah (1994), Sringatin (June 22, 2000), Kismin Efendi (March 29, 2001), Rachmat Hidayat (April 15, 2001) and many others registered and belatedly recorded. They were the laborers and workers who became the main pillars and the proof of a long labor struggle for victory, freedom, independence, and justice in this country.

Should the workers/laborers, along with the existing labor unions in this state, not be able to fight for their own National Labor Day, it would then be necessary for us to question their very existence and roles. What do they represent and what have they become? Have they become the subjects or do they still remain the objects?

The struggle of labor is the struggle for just and humane conditions as the present well-being of our laborers is far from optimal. To have bargaining power in AFTA in an era fraught with competition is surely a must. Therefore, will the people of this nation be able to survive i0n their own land? You all have to answer!

HANS WIDHYA

Jakarta