Prabowo Feels Always Supported by the Working Class
President Prabowo Subianto feels that the working class has always supported his political journey. Prabowo recounted that he has participated in presidential elections five times and experienced failure on four occasions.
“I feel that the working class has always supported me several times, and I feel that I became president because of the support of the working class, farmers, fishermen, and all Indonesian workers,” said Prabowo when attending the International Labour Day commemoration or May Day Fiesta at the National Monument area, Jakarta, on Friday, 1 May 2026.
The General Chairman of the Gerindra Party claimed that after receiving the mandate as President, he is determined to dedicate the rest of his life to the Indonesian people. Prabowo swore to fight for the interests of Indonesians, especially those still living in hardship.
“Finally, you gave the mandate to me, and believe me, I will give everything to defend my people,” said Prabowo.
He then continued, “The rest, the rest of my life, the rest of my life is for my people.”
This former Minister of Defence claimed that he always thinks about the people every time he gives directions to his assistants in the Red and White Cabinet. Prabowo asked his ministerial ranks to take policies that favour the people.
“You ask all my ministers. I give instructions, when preparing and taking policies, think, ask whether this benefits the small people or not. If it benefits the small people, implement it, that’s already right, no need to hesitate,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo also made several promises to workers when attending the May Day Fiesta at Monas. In a speech of about 45 minutes in front of thousands of workers, Prabowo, among other things, promised protection for workers threatened with layoffs. “I will defend the interests of workers, those threatened with layoffs we will defend and protect you,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo then announced the establishment of the Layoff Task Force (Satgas PHK). He said the task force was formed through Presidential Decree No. 10 of 2026. According to him, the government will intervene if companies are unable to fulfil their obligations to workers who are laid off.
In addition to the layoff issue, Prabowo also announced a new policy for online motorcycle taxi drivers. Through Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on the Protection of Online Transport Workers, the government limits platform company deductions to a maximum of 8 per cent. With this scheme, drivers are said to receive a minimum share of 92 per cent.
The Head of State said that online transport drivers will also receive protection in the form of health insurance, work accident insurance, life insurance, and holiday bonuses.