Police Guarantee Workers' Rights to Protest on May Day, Officers Ordered to Be Persuasive

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Polri guarantees the constitutional rights of workers to express their opinions during the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration on Friday (1/5/2026).

“Polri guarantees the constitutional rights of workers to express opinions in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner. We understand that expressing aspirations is part of human rights that must be protected,” said Isir in his statement on International Labour Day.

He emphasised that the presence of police personnel in securing the protest is not to limit democratic space, but to ensure that all series of activities run conducive.

According to Isir, police apparatus are directed to prioritise a persuasive and humane approach during the security of the workers’ protest.

“We want fellow workers who express aspirations to feel the presence of Polri as protectors, guardians, and public servants. Therefore, all our personnel are directed to prioritise a persuasive, professional, and humane attitude,” he said.

Polri also urged protest participants to commemorate May Day in a peaceful and orderly manner, as well as to maintain public facilities.

It is known that the May Day commemoration each year is coloured by protests expressing workers’ aspirations in various regions, including in Jakarta, with the main issues related to welfare and worker protection.