Novali Panji Nugroho, 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.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2101294/jakartas-divided-may-day-state-backed-event-independent-protes