Portrait of Thousands of Workers Beginning to Surround the DPR

Workers affiliated with the Indonesian Trade Union Alliance Congress (KASBI) began arriving at the DPR RI building area in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). Observations by CNBC Indonesia at 13:40 WIB showed the masses conducting a long march from Istora Senayan towards the DPR/MPR RI building. The protesting masses were seen carrying various banners displaying their diverse demands. Some protesters were also observed carrying Marsinah posters. For the time being, the road leading to Slipi has been closed due to the action masses filling the main route. Elements of workers from the Indonesian Trade Union Alliance Congress (KASBI), the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI), to the Agrarian Reform Movement Alliance (AGRA) are still orating to convey their aspirations. On this May Day 2026, the workers’ masses are bringing several demands, including fighting for decent and living wages by abolishing the contract work system and outsourcing. “Oppose capitalism, imperialism, militarism. Realise decent work, decent wages, living wages by abolishing the contract work system, outsourcing, and internships,” stated KASBI General Chair Nining Elitos to CNBC Indonesia. She also demanded that the government and DPR immediately enact laws that favour workers and halt the eviction of people’s land. “Free education and healthcare for the people, stop arbitrary layoffs, and stop terror and criminalisation against people’s movements,” she said. In addition, KASBI urged protection for migrant workers and domestic workers, and requested that the government lower the prices of basic necessities. “Protect migrant workers and domestic workers, lower the prices of basic necessities, nationalise strategic national assets for the people’s interests,” emphasised one of the workers. In other demands, KASBI also highlighted the issue of violence against women.