By: Norman Triangga *)
May Day or what is known as International Labor’s day is celebrated annually on May 1 each year. In Indonesia, Labor Day has actually been done since 97 years ago. Hundreds of members of Kung Tang Hwee Koan Labor Association hold the commemoration of Labor Day in Surabaya. Sneevliet and Bars attend the Labor Day celebration and convey the message ISDV there. In fact, at this time every year on May 1 made a national holiday to commemorate the national Labor Day.
The demands regarding outsourcing, increases in wages, health insurance, maternity and postpartum employment for women, up to humane working hours and more become a hot issue during the commemoration of May Day. The demands are indeed plausible. However, there seems to be a phenomenon in which the workers were simply went along with the invitation to celebrate May Day elements on behalf of workers’ welfare fighters. It become fear that is often regarded by the public as a frightening threat. The fears is obviously due to the frequent demonstrations could be disrupted by anarchy.
The workers have to see what benefits they conduct demonstrations, if deemed better not need them unionized workers did not follow invitations to conduct demonstrations. Usually invitations ahead of International Labour Day intensified by people on behalf of the leadership of an organization of workers, they invite workers to conduct demonstrations and followed workers for solidarity or unclear joining.
What is even more important in the Labor Day workers are expected to act and intelligent in addressing the issues and elements that could destabilize security when delivering aspiration. The Labour should be more focus on the purpose of this Labor Day, which is to convey all aspirations in increased welfare. This meant that what was the original purpose remains a top priority so it is not easily affected by other issues that could compromise the security of the implementation of the anniversary of the workers.
Delivering aspirations by peaceful and orderly society showed labor is morally and still uphold the values of the State and show the love of the country. The peace rally by the workers during Mayday 2016 will showing a good image of Indonesia in International.
Don’t think May Day always celebrated by an action, demonstrations, workers’ uprising in front of government buildings, factories, and more. Do not make it all just a reminder that every year will be held demonstrations due to a reflection without a rational reason. But, let us together really able to understand this condition and working on a fix.
*) CIDISS Contributor
