Jakarta – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving workers’ welfare as part of a major agenda towards a more just and prosperous Indonesia. The commemoration of International Workers’ Day (May Day) 2025 is interpreted as a turning point in strengthening policies for protecting and empowering workers in all sectors.
Deputy Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia Immanuel Ebenezer said that the state is present and will not ignore the fate of workers, especially those working in the informal sector such as plantations and casual laborers.
“We will continue to push for palm oil workers and other informal workers to not escape the attention of the state. This is part of a big agenda for a more just and prosperous Indonesia,” said the Deputy Minister of Manpower during a working visit to Pelalawan Regency, Riau.
On that occasion, the Deputy Minister of Manpower also highlighted the importance of synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the business world to ensure that every worker gets their basic rights, starting from a decent wage, social security, to a safe and humane working environment. The activity was also filled with socialization of employment literacy and social security benefits, as an effort to expand labor protection at the grassroots level.
Pelalawan Regent, H. Zukri, also conveyed the region’s aspirations in supporting the agenda. He emphasized the need for central government assistance so that workers in the region, especially palm oil workers, do not continue to live in uncertainty.
“Workers’ welfare is a reflection of the success of development. If workers are prosperous, the region will be strong,” he said.
Meanwhile, from the industrial sector, the President Director of PT Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER), Didik Prasetiyono, stated that improving workers’ welfare is not only a humanitarian issue, but also the foundation of national industrial competitiveness.
“We respect the aspirations of workers. Workers are a vital element, and improving their welfare must be a shared priority,” said Didik.
Didik emphasized the importance of a healthy and harmonious investment climate, where legal certainty, bureaucratic efficiency, and labor protection go hand in hand. He also appreciated the active role of the East Java Provincial Government in maintaining productive and sustainable industrial relations.
With a strong commitment from all parties, the central and regional governments, employers and labor unions, May Day 2025 is expected to be a milestone for change towards an inclusive and competitive national employment ecosystem.
