Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The Indonesian police are deploying tens of thousands of personnel to secure the 2026 May Day rally. Workers are planning to stage protests in several locations, from the National Monument (Monas) to the parliament complex in Jakarta.
The Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Metro Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said on Thursday that a total of 24,980 joint personnel will be deployed to "ensure the May Day activities proceed safely."
According to Budi, the police are committed to ensuring the rally is safe and comfortable. He also urged police personnel on duty not to be provoked by any disturbances while securing the protests.
Deputy Chief of the Jakarta Metro Police Brigadier General Dekananto Eko Purwono urged all personnel to be prepared to face any dynamics that may arise during the protests. "Security must be conducted in a professional and humane manner," said Dekananto during a security briefing in the Central Jakarta Monas area.
"Beware of infiltration by provocateurs," said Dekananto in front of thousands of police personnel.
The Indonesian Trade Union Congress (KASBI), along with several other labor unions, is planning to stage a protest in front of the parliament complex this year. "Estimated crowd of 10,000 people," said KASBI Chairperson Sunarno in his written statement.
Sunarno said the rally deviated from the one scheduled at Monas. "The celebration of May Day held at Monas, in our opinion, is laden with mainstream and power co-optation narratives," he said.
Meanwhile, the President of the Labor Party, Said Iqbal, stated that they will hold the May Day Fiesta celebration with President Prabowo Subianto at Monas, which is expected to draw in over 100,000 people.
– Novali Panji Nugroho also contributed to the writing of this article