Workers Stage Pre-May Day Protest at DPR Building Today

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Confederation of Workers’ Unions (KSPI) and the Workers’ Party will stage a protest in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (16/4/2026).

This street action is part of a series of “Pre-May Day” demonstrations to voice the aspirations of the working class ahead of International Labour Day on 1 May 2026.

KSPI President and Workers’ Party President, Said Iqbal, stated that the action will begin at 10:00 WIB.

“Today, thousands of workers from the Jabodetabek region will take to the streets, filling the area in front of the main entrance of the DPR RI building. This is a Pre-May Day action to remind the government and representatives that the struggle of the working class is not over and we will never stay silent,” said Said Iqbal in a written statement on Thursday.

In this action, the main focus of the workers’ demands still revolves around labour regulations that are deemed detrimental and suppress the welfare of workers in Indonesia.

“We urge the DPR and the Government to immediately repeal the Job Creation Law or Omnibus Law labour cluster, which has been proven to genuinely afflict workers. This regulation legalises lifelong outsourcing and perpetuates a regime of cheap wages,” said Said.

He highlighted the phenomenon of widespread layoffs (PHK) and employment statuses that do not provide future security for young workers in various industrial sectors.

“We also strongly demand the abolition of the contract work system or outsourcing that does not provide future certainty, health protection, or old-age guarantees for workers. The state must not wash its hands and allow workers to be exploited without employment security,” he said.

“Today’s action will proceed peacefully, orderly, and entirely within the bounds of the law. We have already submitted an official notification letter to the police, specifically Polda Metro Jaya,” he added.

Said estimated that around 3,000 to 5,000 workers will attend in waves to voice their aspirations today.

“Therefore, we from KSPI and the Workers’ Party extend our deepest apologies to road users, especially Jakarta residents, if this Pre-May Day action causes traffic congestion and inconvenience in the Senayan area,” he said.

Motorists planning to pass near the DPR/MPR RI building are advised to anticipate vehicle build-up as the volume of protesting workers increases.

Motorists are suggested to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion in the Senayan area this morning.