Workers Celebrate May Day, Hoping Their Aspirations Are Heard by Prabowo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A number of workers hope that their aspirations will be heard by President Prabowo during the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration at Monas Square, Jakarta, on Friday.

Workers attending the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration at Monas Square, Jakarta, on Friday, appreciated the facilitation provided by the government, which ensured the celebration proceeded orderly and festively, and hoped their aspirations would be heard by President Prabowo Subianto.

The workers also hope that the presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, can serve as a space to hear workers’ aspirations.

A representative from the labour union, Rizki, viewed the Labour Day commemoration as an important event for strengthening solidarity among workers.

“Labour unions are here for International Labour Day, gathering here to celebrate together,” said Rizki, as quoted from a statement by the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) received in Jakarta on Friday.

He also appreciated the government’s role, which he deemed to have given greater attention to workers in Indonesia.

“I greatly appreciate the government, not only for facilitating this event but also for being very caring and attentive to Indonesian workers,” he said.

According to him, this support allows workers to participate actively in the Labour Day celebration without obstacles. They were also facilitated and escorted during today’s action.

“The government has facilitated us to participate and celebrate happily together. Keep the spirit up, Indonesian workers!” he said.

Rizki hopes that similar events can be held routinely every year.

“Hopefully, this event can be organised every International Labour Day,” he said.

He also conveyed prayers and hopes to the President for continued health in carrying out his duties.

Meanwhile, Ruli, a worker from Jakarta, hopes that the President’s presence in the Labour Day commemoration can become a momentum to address workers’ aspirations.

“I hope that this Labour Day, attended by President Prabowo, can address the aspirations of the workers,” he said.

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

The President of the Indonesian Workers’ Union Confederation (KSPI), Said Iqbal, also urged the ratification of the Manpower Bill following the Constitutional Court’s order regarding the formation of a new Employment Law within a maximum of two years.

The General Chairman of the Indonesian Labour Unity Confederation (KPBI), Ilhamsyah, said that the May Day 2026 momentum is also to push for easier access to housing for workers, especially those integrated with industrial zones.

Furthermore, he highlighted the wage payment obligations that must be fulfilled by companies 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 working.

In response to these aspirations, President Prabowo Subianto said he would fight for workers’ rights as conveyed by the labour representatives.

The Head of State said he is ready to push for the establishment of childcare facilities for workers as soon as possible, as part of the government’s steps to support workers’ welfare.

The President also responded to proposals regarding affordable housing issues for workers. Specifically, he highlighted that the government has begun building houses for the community, targeting the completion of 1 million homes.

“These houses will be built in clusters close to industrial zones, as per your suggestion. Close to the workplace,” he said.