Prabowo Inaugurates Marsinah Museum and Shelter in Nganjuk, East Java
During a visit to the location on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Prabowo greeted Marsinah’s family before inaugurating the Marsinah Museum. He also toured the museum with Andi Gani, President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), viewing Marsinah’s room.
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, on this Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate the Marsinah Museum and Shelter in Nganjuk Regency, East Java Province,” Prabowo stated at the event.
He then signed a commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the museum and shelter.
Prior to the inauguration, Prabowo, accompanied by National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Andi Gani NenaWea, the initiator of the museum’s construction, inspected the museum’s exhibits. The museum features several sections detailing Marsinah’s life, including her personal belongings, such as clothing and a bag, as well as original newspaper clippings documenting her murder and subsequent trial.
The museum’s exhibits begin with a biographical section on Marsinah, followed by a diorama depicting the working conditions of the 1990s. Another section highlights Marsinah’s efforts in building labour solidarity, emphasizing her proactive approach and willingness to take risks.
A further section recounts the tragedy surrounding her death and the pursuit of justice. In May 1993, Marsinah was at the forefront of advocating for fair wages for her fellow workers in Sidoarjo.
The museum also features a miniature display of the ceremony where Marsinah was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia on November 10, 2025. The ceremony was led by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta.
Marsinah is widely recognized as an icon of the labour rights movement, having died while fighting for justice for her colleagues in Sidoarjo in 1993. Her name is now remembered as a national hero for her dedication and courage.
Andi Gani explained that the museum was built without state funding, relying on contributions from workers and with the support of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who served as an advisor, as well as Marsinah’s family. He also showed the last outfit Marsinah wore.
The museum also preserves the historical events and legacy of Marsinah. Andi stated that the museum will be open to the public free of charge and will include a shelter for visitors.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 7,000 workers from Surabaya, Nganjuk, Mojokerto, and Jombang. In addition to President Prabowo, several members of Prabowo’s cabinet and other prominent figures were present, including Shoya Yoshida, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and members of the leadership of the Regional Representative Council (MPR) and the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPD).
The museum will officially open to the public seven days after the inauguration. Visitors can enter without any admission fee.