PDIP Central Board: Workers are a vital pillar of national development

As taught by Soekarno, true independence is not merely political independence, but also economic independence where there must be no oppression of man by man, and no exploitation of workers by capital owners.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chair of the PDIP Central Board for Labour and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, Mercy Chriesty Barends, stated that workers play a role in national development, so the designation of 1 May as a national holiday is a form of state recognition of workers’ role as a pillar of the nation.

“Since 2013, the government has designated 1 May as a national holiday. This is an acknowledgement that workers are an important pillar of this nation,” said Mercy at the PDIP International Labour Day Commemoration 2026 with the theme “Banteng Pro Pekerja: Buruh Berdaulat, Indonesia Berdikari” held at GOR Otista, East Jakarta, on Sunday.

At the event attended by workers from informal sectors such as domestic workers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, laundry workers, street performers, and others, Mercy conveyed PDIP’s political stance in the struggle for Indonesian workers.

According to her, the workers’ struggle cannot be separated from the ideological values that side with the little people, the working class, and those who live from sweat and effort.

She recalled the teachings of Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, who emphasised that true independence is not only political independence, but also economic independence.

“As taught by Soekarno, true independence is not only political independence, but also economic independence where there must be no oppression of man by man, and no exploitation of workers by capital owners,” she said.

Mercy stated that the Labour Day commemoration is not merely an annual ceremony. It was born from a long history of the working class struggle in various countries demanding basic rights such as humane working hours, decent wages, and work protection.

In Indonesia itself, she continued, the history of the workers’ struggle also has a long journey since the colonial era when workers experienced various forms of oppression, including forced labour and inhumane wages. However, the spirit of workers’ resistance continued to grow and became part of the national movement.

“From your hands, the wheels of the economy keep turning. But we must also be honest: there are still many challenges faced by workers today. Wages that are not yet fully decent, uncertain job guarantees, and increasing economic pressures,” she revealed.

Therefore, Mercy added, PDI Perjuangan will continue to stand alongside the working class.

“This party was born from the womb of the people’s struggle, and will continue to be a home for the little people, including workers,” said Mercy.

She emphasised that the workers’ struggle is not to weaken industry, but to ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice.

“That companies grow, but workers also prosper. That profits increase, but workers’ lives are also dignified,” she said firmly.

She called on all elements to strengthen solidarity and maintain unity as the key to ensuring workers’ voices are heard and justice can be fought for.

“Hope that the future of Indonesian workers will be better. Hope that workers’ children can pursue higher education. Hope that there will be no more workers living in uncertainty,” said Mercy.

At this Labour Day commemoration event, PDIP Central Board officials were also present, including General Secretary of PDIP Central Board Hasto Kristiyanto, Deputy General Secretary Adian Napitupulu and Sri Rahayu, as well as Deputy Treasurer General of PDIP Yuke Yurike.

Also attending was the Chair of PDIP Central Board who is also the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Rano Karno. In addition, several other PDIP Central Board officials who were seen present included Charles Honoris, Bintang Puspayoga, Sadarestuwati, Wiryanti Sukamdani, and Ribka Tjiptaning. As well as members of the Indonesian House of Representatives such as Vita Ervina, Pulung Agustanto, and Putra Nababan.