Jakarta, IDN Times – President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the commemoration of International Workers’ Day, widely known as May Day, on May 1, 2026. This significant announcement came from M Qodari, Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom).
Qodari elaborated that the May Day 2026 celebrations are set to take place at the iconic National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta. “President Prabowo is, God willing, slated to attend the peak commemoration of National Workers’ Day 2026, which will be held at the National Monument in Jakarta,” Qodari stated at the Bakom Pemerintah office in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. His presence is expected to underscore the government’s commitment to worker welfare.
Government’s Stance: Collaboration, Not Confrontation
During the same occasion, Qodari firmly stated that the government does not view itself as being in opposition to labor unions or workers. Instead, he emphasized the government’s continuous efforts to collaborate closely with the workforce. “The government wishes to assert one thing: its position is not against workers or laborers, but rather stands united with them,” he affirmed.
According to Qodari, the state’s fundamental role is to serve as a protector for its citizens, a mandate that inherently includes safeguarding workers. He reiterated that the government is steadfastly working towards improving the welfare of all societal segments. “The state is present as a protector of workers and simultaneously a guardian of employment sustainability. Therefore, we believe that worker welfare and the health of the business world are not conflicting objectives, but rather two sides of the same goal,” he explained, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between labor and industry.
Expected Turnout: Over 200,000 Workers Anticipated at Monas
In preparation for the extensive May Day gathering, Kombes Pol Komarudin, Traffic Director of Polda Metro Jaya, confirmed that his department has convened a coordination meeting. This meeting involved traffic directorates from various regions, including East Java, Central Java, West Java, Banten, and Lampung, all under the leadership of the National Police Traffic Corps. Authorities anticipate a massive turnout for the event. “Based on the latest data we have received, over 200,000 workers are expected to converge at Monas, with several other groups likely to hold activities at various points across Jakarta,” Komarudin noted at Polda Metro on Thursday, April 30, 2026, signaling potential for significant traffic density in the capital.
May Day 2026 Theme: Collaboration for Progress
Cris Kuntadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), unveiled the overarching theme for the May Day 2026 celebrations: “Collaborating Together to Realize Industrial Progress and Worker Welfare.” This theme underscores a shared vision for prosperity. Kuntadi also announced the event’s powerful tagline: “One Determination, One Goal, Prosper Together,” encapsulating the spirit of unity and collective aspiration for a brighter future for Indonesian workers.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto dijadwalkan menghadiri peringatan Hari Buruh Internasional (May Day) pada 1 Mei 2026 di Monumen Nasional (Monas), Jakarta. Informasi ini disampaikan oleh M Qodari dari Badan Komunikasi Pemerintah. Acara tersebut diperkirakan akan dihadiri oleh lebih dari 200.000 buruh, sebagaimana dikonfirmasi oleh Polda Metro Jaya.
Pemerintah menegaskan posisinya yang bersatu dengan para pekerja, berupaya melindungi mereka, dan menjaga keberlanjutan lapangan kerja. Tema May Day 2026 adalah “Bersama Berkolaborasi Mewujudkan Kemajuan Industri dan Kesejahteraan Pekerja,” dengan slogan “Satu Tekad, Satu Tujuan, Sejahtera Bersama,” yang diumumkan oleh Cris Kuntadi dari Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan.