Workers Liven Up May Day at Monas Wearing T-Shirts Designed by Prabowo

Workers from various Indonesian labour unions livened up the International Labour Day or May Day commemoration at Monas, Central Jakarta. The majority of the workers wore T-shirts emblazoned with ‘May Day 2026’.

The T-shirts worn by the workers featured silhouettes of several people standing with clenched fists in blue. Below them was the inscription ‘Bagimu Negeri Jiwa Raga Kami’ in red accents.

Workers were also seen using umbrellas with similar designs. On the other hand, they appeared to be wearing various organisational or workplace accessories as identifiers.

In addition, some workers wore red-and-white T-shirts inscribed with ‘May Day’ and a clenched fist logo on the front. On the back, there was an image of the garuda bird wearing worker attire while carrying a hammer and screwdriver.

One May Day participant, Ipah Hanifah (40), said she received the T-shirt from the organising committee. She mentioned that the T-shirt was from President Prabowo Subianto.

“It was given by the committee to make us uniform, yes, it’s true (from Mr Prabowo),” said Ipah.

When asked for separate confirmation, the President of the All-Indonesian Labour Confederation (KSBSI), Elly Rosita Silaban, confirmed that all the T-shirts worn by workers today were directly designed by Prabowo.

“All the workers’ T-shirts that do not have a labour union logo are designs by Mr President,” said Elly.

“Those inscribed with May Day 2026 without a labour union logo are designs by Mr President,” she added.

Previously, the President of the All-Indonesian Workers’ Confederation (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, recounted the preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration. According to him, President Prabowo paid extraordinary detailed attention, even personally designing the T-shirts to be worn by the workers.

“Since early March, President Prabowo has paid extraordinary attention. I was called by the President, we sat together, he specially designed the May Day T-shirts. Now, this is what I must convey to the public, how much he cares for the workers,” said Andi Gani to reporters on Monday (27/4).

Andi Gani recounted that discussions on the design took place several times. Prabowo, according to him, repeatedly requested colour changes and ensured that the T-shirt material used was of high quality so that the workers would not feel hot while demonstrating at Monas.

“He asked for the best, the T-shirts shouldn’t be the kind that make you hot. A President, the head of state, has been thinking about workers not getting hot three months before May Day. He also requested that images of female workers be added, not just men,” he revealed.

In addition to T-shirts, Prabowo is said to have helped design the umbrellas to be distributed to demonstration participants.

“‘Later the workers will get hot, Mr Andi. Give them umbrellas.’ Wow, umbrellas, I’ll design them.’ The President did that right away. Now, this story is what I must reveal to the public that the President has no more business, especially politics, none. He is truly a father to his children,” said Andi.

Andi revealed that Prabowo did not want the workers to be disappointed when attending the May Day commemoration. He ensured that all costs for procuring the T-shirts and umbrellas did not use state funds.

“He has asked us to prepare T-shirts, to prepare umbrellas so that all workers are happy,” he said.