Why is 1 May Commemorated as Labour Day? Here is its Origin

JAKARTA — Every 1 May, millions of workers around the world commemorate International Labour Day or May Day. However, behind this annual observance lies a long history of the working class struggle rooted in a tragedy in Chicago, United States. In Indonesia, the May Day 2026 commemoration is being held grandly in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). From the morning, the area around Monas has been crowded with buses transporting worker masses from various regions. He also stated that President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the event starting at 08:00 WIB. “The President arrives welcomed by the May Day committee chairman along with other labour leaders,” said Andi Gani when confirmed by Kompas.com via short message on Thursday (30/4/2026). Crowded since morning. From the early hours, traffic flow on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, began to be congested due to the density of worker group buses. Kompas.com observations at the location at 06:45 WIB showed traffic jams stretching from the Horse Statue Roundabout area towards Monas. “These large buses are looking for parking to go to that labour event,” said one driver, Jojali (46), who was stuck in traffic for nearly 20 minutes. Meanwhile, police and TNI personnel were seen guarding the area to regulate traffic flow. Police also warned drivers not to park haphazardly on the roadside. “For vehicles parked on the side of the road, we will tow them,” said a female police officer through a loudspeaker. Amid the hustle and bustle of today’s May Day commemoration, 1 May is actually not just a holiday or annual ceremony.