Prabowo on May Day: PHK Task Force to 40-Year House Instalments
President Prabowo Subianto made several pledges to workers during the May Day Fiesta at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on Friday, 1 May 2026. In a speech lasting around 45 minutes to thousands of workers, Prabowo promised protection for those threatened with termination of employment up to long-term housing programmes.
“I will defend the interests of workers; those threatened with PHK we will defend and protect you,” Prabowo said in his speech.
One of the pledges announced by Prabowo was the establishment of the Termination of Employment Task Force (Satgas PHK). He stated that the task force was formed through Presidential Decree Number 10 of 2026. According to him, the government will intervene if companies fail to meet their obligations to workers affected by termination of employment.
“Do not worry, our country is strong; we will take over, we will defend the Indonesian people,” he said.
In addition to the PHK issue, Prabowo also announced a new policy for online motorcycle taxi drivers. Through Presidential Regulation Number 27 of 2026 on the Protection of Online Transport Workers, the government limits platform company deductions to a maximum of 8%. With this scheme, drivers are said to receive a minimum share of 92%.
Prabowo said online transport drivers will also receive protections including BPJS Health, work accident insurance, general insurance, and holiday bonuses.
Prabowo also stated that he has signed Presidential Regulation Number 28 of 2026 on the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention Number 188, which regulates protections for fishery sector workers. He described this policy as a “gift” to workers.
He also promised to provide childcare facilities or daycare in industrial areas. According to him, this suggestion came from female workers who need support for child care while working.
“This is a good suggestion. We will fight for this,” he said.
In his speech, Prabowo also offered a home ownership scheme for workers with very long instalment terms. He said workers could instal houses for up to 40 years to make them more affordable. “If 20 years is not possible, then 25 years. If 25 years is not settled, then 30 years. If not possible, 35 years then 40 years,” he said.
The government also plans to build new cities integrated with industrial areas. “Each city may consist of 100,000 apartment units,” Prabowo said.
Beyond worker welfare issues, Prabowo claimed that Indonesia’s situation is safe amid global uncertainties. He stated that Indonesia has achieved food self-sufficiency and is soon moving towards energy self-sufficiency. “Not long from now, we will achieve energy self-sufficiency,” he said.
After attending the May Day celebration, Prabowo said he would head to Nglundo Village, Nganjuk, East Java, to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum, dedicated to the workers’ struggle. He also mentioned that the government has declared labour activist Marsinah a national hero.
In closing his speech, Prabowo asked workers not to hate wealthy groups. According to him, there are still many entrepreneurs who provide fair employment. However, he expressed surprise at officials and highly educated people who are still involved in corruption.
“I am surprised; the smarter they are, many smart people, smart thieves,” said Prabowo.