1 jam yang lalu
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — Labor unions across Indonesia marked International Workers’ Day on Friday with split events in the capital, reflecting differing approaches to engaging the government of President Prabowo Subianto.
In Jakarta, May Day commemorations were held at two main locations: the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta and outside the House of Representatives (DPR) complex.
The Confederation of All-Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), alongside the Labor Party, held a mass gathering at Monas attended by Prabowo. Unlike traditional rallies, the event took the form of a celebration rather than a protest.
KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea said the president was expected to deliver “surprises” for workers during the event, including announcements related to online motorcycle taxi drivers, the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and broader labor welfare policies.
“He will deliver them directly during the May Day celebration,” Andi said at a press conference on April 29.
He added that Prabowo would also distribute gifts such as T-shirts and umbrellas to attendees, with the apparel reportedly designed by the chair of the Gerindra Party.
Organizers estimated that up to 400,000 people, including ride-hailing drivers, would attend the Monas event. The site was chosen for its capacity to accommodate large crowds and its proximity to the State Palace, allowing closer interaction between the president and participants.
“Monas offers flexibility for direct engagement. In a stadium, barriers would make that difficult,” Andi said.
However, not all labor groups joined the government-linked celebration. Several unions under the Alliance of Workers’ Movement with the People (Gebrak) held a separate rally outside the DPR complex.
The coalition includes the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Union Alliance (KASBI), the Federation of Indonesian Labor Struggle (FPBI), and the Federation of Food and Beverage Workers’ Unions (FSBMM), among other civil society groups.
KASBI Chair Sunarno said around 10,000 people were expected to join the protest, which carried the theme “May Day with the People.”
He stressed that the DPR rally was an independent action, distinct from the Monas event, which he described as shaped by “mainstream narratives and power co-option.”
At the protest, the Gebrak alliance presented a broad set of demands. These include calls for a labor-friendly revision of the Manpower Law, with meaningful participation from trade unions in the legislative process.
The group also urged wage reform to ensure a fair and dignified national standard, alongside the elimination of wage disparities.
Other demands include job security guarantees, the abolition of outsourcing and precarious contract work, and the ratification of ILO Convention 188 and Convention 190. The alliance also called for stronger welfare protections for teachers, lecturers, and healthcare workers, as well as an end to mass layoffs.
Beyond labor issues, the coalition pushed for free access to education and healthcare, the upholding of civilian supremacy, and an end to forced land evictions through genuine agrarian reform. It also urged the government to take a more active role in promoting global peace.
Andi Adam contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Indonesian Labor Alliance Voices Demands at May Day 2026 Rally
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Labor Alliance Voices Demands at May Day 2026 Rally
31 menit lalu
KASBI president said concerns over President Prabowo Subianto's authoritarian leadership also featured prominently in this year's May Day.
Indonesian Police to Deploy Nearly 25,000 Personnel for May Day Rallies
10 jam lalu
The Jakarta Metro Police deploy 24,980 joint personnel to secure the 2026 May Day protests at Monas and the DPR/MPR complex.
Labor Alliance to Hold May Day Rally at Parliament
19 jam lalu
The Gebrak labor alliance declined to join the May Day rally by KSPSI at Monas, which will be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesia Details Worker Protections Before May Day
19 jam lalu
As May Day approaches, Indonesia announced worker protection programs, including improved early warning systems for layoffs.
Prabowo to Sing Workers' Anthem at Jakarta May Day Rally
1 hari lalu
Besides singing the workers' anthem, Andi mentioned that Prabowo will also give surprises to the labor unions in the May Day 2026 rally.
Prabowo Will 'Surprise' Workers at 2026 May Day Rally, Union Chief Says
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the May Day 2026 commemoration at the National Monument.
Prabowo to Attend 2026 May Day Rally at the National Monument
1 hari lalu
The Palace said Prabowo's presence reflects the government's commitment to ensuring workers' voices are heard.
Prabowo Scheduled for May Day Events in Jakarta and East Java
15 hari lalu
After the event in Jakarta, Prabowo will travel to Nganjuk, East Java, to open the Marsinah Museum.
6 Demands Behind Indonesia's May Day 2026 Protests
24 hari lalu
President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbal announced that around 50 thousand workers will take to the streets to commemorate International Workers' Day or May Day on May 1, 2026.
Labor Unions Invite Prabowo to Attend 2026 May Day Rally
58 hari lalu
Labor unions also have invited President Prabowo Subianto to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in East Java on May 2, honoring the slain labor activist.
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) ·