Prabowo’s May Day Commitments Signal Renewed Support for Indonesian Workers

 

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JAKARTA, investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to reform Indonesia’s labor system to make it more just, productive, and sustainable, in a speech marking International Workers’ Day 2025. Speaking before a crowd of over 200,000 workers in Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas) square, Prabowo outlined a series of new initiatives aimed at protecting jobs, raising welfare, and improving labor rights—a rare direct presidential address that labor leaders described as historic and encouraging.

 

The commitments came amid ongoing demands for labor law reforms following Indonesia’s 2023 Constitutional Court decision on employment provisions in the Job Creation Law. Prabowo announced the formation of a National Workers’ Welfare Council, composed of union leaders from across the country, which will advise the government on labor laws and regulations deemed unfair or inadequate. He also promised to establish a special task force to monitor and prevent unjust layoffs.

 

“We will work hard to ensure that all Indonesian citizens have access to quality healthcare and affordable medicine,” said Prabowo. “Our wealth as a nation must translate into real benefits for our workers.”

 

In a symbolic move, Prabowo also endorsed the call to recognize labor activist Marsinah, who was murdered in 1993, as a national hero—a gesture seen as aligning his administration with the long-standing struggle for labor justice in Indonesia.

 

 

Presidential-Led Dialogue Between Labor and Business

Prabowo further announced plans to host a landmark meeting at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, bringing together 150 union leaders and 150 business executives to foster dialogue and mutual understanding.

 

“We will sit down together,” said the president. “No one should aim to get rich alone while their workers are left behind. If people earn decent wages, they will buy shoes, clothes, motorcycles—your factories will thrive too.”

 

His remarks stressed a basic economic logic: boosting workers’ purchasing power benefits the entire economy, especially manufacturers and retailers. He urged employers to adopt a more inclusive approach to economic growth.

 

 

Labor Reforms and Legislative Backing

Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal welcomed Prabowo’s commitment, calling it “a breath of fresh air” for the country’s workforce. He noted that the parliament is aligned with the president’s agenda and has prioritized labor reform bills in its legislative program, including the revision of Indonesia’s 2003 Labor Law and the long-delayed Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill.

 

“The welfare of workers is key to our nation’s progress,” said Cucun. “Development means nothing if workers still face uncertainty, inadequate wages, or loss of their basic rights.”

 

Cucun added that the House remains committed to defending workers’ rights through its legislative, budgetary, and oversight roles.

 

 

Global and Local Praise for May Day Commitments

Shoya Yoshida, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation, hailed Prabowo’s participation in the May Day event as historic—only the second time since 1960 that an Indonesian president has directly joined the commemoration.

 

“This is a milestone moment,” said Yoshida. “It signals a real commitment from the highest level of government to the future and welfare of Indonesian workers.”

 

Echoing this sentiment, Indonesian union leaders including Said Iqbal (Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions), Elly Rosita Silaban (Indonesian Trade Union Confederation), Jumhur Hidayat (KSPSI), and Andi Gani Nena Wea praised Prabowo’s presence and policy commitments.

 

Said Iqbal delivered six key demands, which Prabowo pledged to review through the new workers' council and relevant ministries. These include:

 

Prabowo declared his full support for the asset forfeiture law, stating, “You steal from the people, you return what you took.”