President Prabowo Subianto actively participated in the International May Day commemoration at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Friday, May 1, 2026. This significant event was held under the theme ‘Collaboration Together to Realize Industrial Progress and Workers’ Welfare’, highlighting a concerted effort towards a more prosperous future for the labor force.
Arriving in a distinctive brown safari suit complemented by a matching hat, President Prabowo immediately connected with the assembled workers. He greeted them enthusiastically through the sunroof of his official vehicle, setting a warm and approachable tone for the day. Upon stepping out, he continued to engage directly, shaking hands and sharing smiles, which was met with palpable enthusiasm from the workers.
As he ascended the stage, President Prabowo was flanked by a distinguished retinue of officials. This included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad; National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit; TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto; State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi; and Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya. Also present were Minister of Environment and General Chairman of the All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI) Jumhur Hidayat, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, President of KSPSI Andi Gani Nena Wea, and Said Iqbal.
The atmosphere was further enlivened as President Prabowo was welcomed with the spirited song ‘Kamu Tak Sendirian’ (You Are Not Alone) by Tipe-X, to which he was seen briefly dancing, showcasing a moment of camaraderie and shared celebration.
During the May Day event, President Prabowo Subianto meticulously greeted each state official and institutional representative present at the International May Day 2026 commemoration in Monas. A particularly engaging moment unfolded when he acknowledged Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.
Before reaching Governor Pramono, President Prabowo extended greetings to a line of dignitaries, including State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Manpower Minister Yassierli, Deputy State Secretary I Air Marshal (Ret.) Bambang Eko Suhariyanto, Deputy State Secretary II Juri Ardiantoro, and Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor. His interaction with Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo, however, carried a lighthearted note.
President Prabowo playfully remarked on the similarity in their names, both containing “Bowo,” despite belonging to different political parties. He emphasized a message of unity, stating, “Same ‘Bowo,’ different parties, that’s okay. For workers, there are no parties; we all defend workers’ interests.” In response to this gesture, Governor Pramono stood and offered a respectful salute to the President. It is important to note that Pramono Anung is a prominent cadre of the PDI-P (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle), having previously served as its Secretary-General from 2005 to 2010.
Demonstrating his commitment to labor history and advocacy, President Prabowo announced his plan to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk Regency, East Java. He confirmed that this significant ceremony is scheduled to take place within the current month of May, marking a crucial step in preserving the legacy of labor struggles.
Speaking at the May Day 2026 commemoration, President Prabowo stated, “This month, I will travel to Nglundo Village, Nganjuk, East Java, to inaugurate the labor struggle museum named the Marsinah Museum.” He further highlighted that Marsinah had previously been designated a National Hero, a title bestowed by him on November 10, 2025. “We have elevated Ibu Marsinah as a national hero,” he affirmed, underscoring the government’s recognition of her sacrifices.
President Prabowo also took the opportunity to reiterate his administration’s dedication to the populace, assuring workers that his leadership and policies are consistently aligned with the interests of the people.
In a pivotal announcement during his May Day address, President Prabowo revealed that he had signed Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 10 of 2026. This decree establishes a specialized Task Force for Mitigating Layoffs (PHK) and Promoting Workers’ Welfare, signifying a proactive measure to safeguard employment and support the labor force.
Addressing the International Workers’ Day gathering at Monas, Central Jakarta, President Prabowo declared, “I have issued Presidential Decree Number 10 of 2026 concerning the Task Force for Mitigating Layoffs and Workers’ Welfare.” He sought to reassure workers, stating that they need not fear potential threats of layoffs from companies. He pledged robust state protection, asserting, “If any entrepreneurs give up, do not worry; our country is strong. Our country will take over. Our country will defend the Indonesian people. Do not worry.”
Furthermore, President Prabowo used the occasion to issue a clear directive to his ministers within the Red and White Cabinet. He urged them to consistently formulate policies that prioritize the well-being of the common people. “Ministers, when making policies, think: does it benefit the common people or not? If it benefits the common people, execute it without hesitation,” he concluded, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to social equity.
Jumhur Hidayat, who serves as both the Minister of Environment and the General Chairman of the All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI), lauded President Prabowo’s dedicated efforts to unify all segments of the labor movement. Speaking directly to President Prabowo at the International May Day 2026 commemoration in Monas, Hidayat expressed his sincere appreciation.
“I merely wish to express my gratitude to the President for ensuring that Indonesian workers are now united under the leadership of Mr. Prabowo Subianto,” Jumhur Hidayat conveyed. He voiced his optimism, adding, “God willing, all desired aspirations can be realized through this unity,” highlighting the transformative potential of a cohesive labor front.
Beyond the President, Jumhur extended his thanks to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. He recognized their significant roles in fostering and actualizing this newfound unity among workers. “We also thank Mr. Prabowo for requesting his officials and close associates, including Professor Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Mr. National Police Chief, Mr. Manpower Minister, Mr. State Secretary, to unite us all, and finally, this unity has been achieved,” he explained, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind this success.
Said Iqbal, President of the Labor Party, expressed profound gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the leadership of the House of Representatives, particularly Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, for the long-awaited enactment of the Domestic Worker Protection Law (UU PPRT). His remarks were made during the International Workers’ Day 2026 commemoration at Monas.
“Our beloved President Prabowo Subianto, all cabinet ministers, and esteemed guests, allow me first and foremost to express our thanks to Mr. President and also to the DPR leadership, especially Mr. Sufmi Dasco, who have enacted the Domestic Worker Protection Law. This law has been fought for 22 years, and under the leadership of Mr. President, it has finally been passed. On behalf of domestic workers across Indonesia, we extend our gratitude,” Said Iqbal stated, emphasizing the historical significance of the legislation.
He further commended the government for a series of pro-people and pro-worker policies, mentioning initiatives such as MBG, People’s Schools, housing programs, and other public-centric initiatives that have significantly benefited workers and the wider population. Said Iqbal also acknowledged the establishment of the Manpower Desk, offering thanks to Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and the National Police Chief for its formation.
During his address, Said Iqbal also presented a list of eleven key worker aspirations. Chief among these was the urgent call for the immediate passage of the Manpower Bill (RUU Ketenagakerjaan). He noted the challenging legislative journey for such bills, remarking, “Our esteemed President, we bring 11 issues that could become aspirations. The first is to pass the Manpower Bill. There are only two years left, just five more months. Hopefully, this time is sufficient. Usually, the ideological pull of the Manpower Law is too strong, and it can even remain unpassed through three presidential terms,” highlighting the ongoing struggle for comprehensive labor legislation.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto attended the 2026 International May Day at Monas, focusing on industrial progress and workers’ welfare. He officially signed Presidential Decree Number 10 of 2026 to establish a Task Force for Mitigating Layoffs and providing state protection for workers. The President reiterated his commitment to the people, directing his cabinet to ensure that all policies consistently benefit the common populace.
Prabowo also announced the upcoming inauguration of the Marsinah Museum in East Java to honor her legacy as a National Hero. Labor representatives expressed appreciation for the enactment of the Domestic Worker Protection Law, which had been pursued for twenty-two years. The event concluded with a call for labor unity and recognition of the government’s efforts in implementing various pro-worker social initiatives.