Three KPBI Demands to Prabowo: Request for "Daycare" Facilities and Fair Wages for Workers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The General Chairman of the Indonesian Workers’ Confederation (KPBI), Ilhamsyah, conveyed three demands to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, during the May Day or Labour Day commemoration in 2026.

The first demand concerns childcare facilities or daycare for workers in industrial environments.

Ilhamsyah stated that young workers who have recently married and have children often face dilemmas because they must leave their children in their villages.

In fact, some workers are forced to quit their jobs to care for their children.

“We hope the state will provide daycare in industrial areas and workers’ settlements, so that workers’ children can live decently and grow and develop well,” said Ilhamsyah.

The second demand addresses integrated housing in industrial areas.

According to him, workers usually live in cramped places and face daily traffic congestion.

KPBI supports the government’s ongoing housing procurement programme.

“Integrated housing with industrial areas is the best way and this is our approach to improving workers’ welfare. Because 20 to 30 percent of wages are spent on monthly rent,” he said.

Thirdly, he called for effective labour supervision.

This is because there are still companies that violate the law.

Ilhamsyah hopes that the Minister of Manpower, Yassierly, will strengthen the supervisory function to make it truly effective in ensuring that all regulations are implemented by every company.

“No more liberal employment relations, so that the labour supervision function becomes the main and spearhead in upholding the constitution so that workers can obtain justice,” he added.