Prabowo to Advocate for Daycare Facilities for Workers in Industrial Areas

President Prabowo Subianto has promised to advocate for the provision of childcare facilities or daycares to meet the needs of workers in industrial zones. He made this statement during a speech to thousands of workers at the International Labour Day commemoration in Monas, Jakarta, on Friday (1/5). The proposal was initially raised by Ilhamsyah, Chairman General of the Indonesian Workers’ Union Confederation. He highlighted the dilemma faced by young married workers with children. According to him, many workers are forced to choose between leaving their children with family in the village or one parent quitting work to care for the child. “We hope the state will step in to create daycares in industrial zones and workers’ settlements, so that workers’ children can live decently and develop well,” said Ilhamsyah. “The state must be present to create better human beings in the future from toddlers, so that workers’ children receive health guarantees and good childcare,” he emphasised. In response, Prabowo considered the proposal a good step and promised to realise it. “It was mentioned earlier that workers need childcare places, daycares. This is a good suggestion. We will fight for it and implement it as soon as possible,” said Prabowo. On the same occasion, Prabowo also touched on plans to build housing for the public. He targets the construction of at least one million houses this year. Currently, around 350,000 units have been allocated. These houses are designed to be in clusters near industrial zones to facilitate workers’ access to their workplaces. He also said he has planned the construction of various new cities, each consisting of 100,000 flats. He wants these new cities to be equipped with various supporting facilities, from schools and sports amenities to daycares and hospitals. In addition, public transportation such as trains and buses will be prepared. Prabowo also opened the possibility of a special card for workers so they can get more affordable transportation costs in those new cities.