Trade unions highlight Employment Bill and daycare on May Day

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade unions highlighted several labour issues, such as accelerating a new Employment Bill and the importance of government support for child daycare services for working parents, during International Labour Day/May Day 2026 in Jakarta on Friday.

“Regarding the Employment Law, we believe that Mr (President Prabowo Subianto) sees us as a group that greatly needs regulations on contract wages and outsourcing,” said President of the All-Indonesian Labour Confederation (KSBSI) Ely Rosita Silaban.

In agreement, President of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) Said Iqbal also pushed for the ratification of the Employment Bill following the Constitutional Court’s (MK) order regarding the formation of a new Employment Law within a maximum of two years.

“Hopefully by next year’s May Day, the Employment Law has been ratified and protects workers throughout Indonesia,” Iqbal stated.

Furthermore, he highlighted the wage payment obligations that companies must fulfil in accordance with regulations.

In addition, Ilhamsyah emphasised the importance of child-friendly daycare services to support the productivity of working parents and ensure the growth and development of children while mothers and fathers are at work.

“Daycare in industrial areas and worker settlements so that workers’ children can live decently, so that workers’ children can grow and develop well,” said Ilhamsyah.