Symbolic May Day Protest at DPR RI, Coastal Fishermen Join the Voice

JAKARTA – A protest rally to commemorate International Labour Day (May Day) took place in front of the DPR RI building on Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). This demonstration was marked by various creative and symbolic forms of protest that captured public attention. One of the most striking elements was the presence of a replica resembling the figure of Donald Trump. The statue was placed on a wheeled platform and surrounded by traffic cones, making it the focal point for the crowd in front of the main gate of DPR RI. In addition, the protesters brought a wheeled replica fishing boat loaded with messages from Jakarta’s coastal communities. A banner titled “8 Angers from Jakarta Bay & Coastal Areas” contained several demands as follows: One of the protest participants, Rizal (34), said that the symbols in the demonstration were a form of expression of public anxiety over the current social and economic conditions. “We want to show that workers’ issues do not stand alone. They are linked to environmental issues, coastal areas, and the living spaces of small communities,” Rizal told Kompas.com at the location. “Through this action, we want our voices to truly be heard,” said Ria. This year’s May Day action not only served as a momentum for fighting for workers’ rights but also as a space for solidarity among various community groups facing similar problems, from industrial workers to coastal communities. Due to the swelling crowd, traffic on Jalan Gatot Subroto was temporarily closed. Until 3:00 PM WIB, the protesters were still delivering speeches from the command vehicle. Meanwhile, some participants were seen resting and eating on the road body.