JAKARTA – Ahead of the commemoration of International Workers’ Day (May Day) 2025 on May 1, 2025, various elements of labor unions in Indonesia are calling for peaceful, orderly, and dignified actions. This wave of preparation is a positive signal of the maturity of democracy as well as the spirit of collaboration between workers and the government.
Thousands of workers from various labor confederations are scheduled to hold actions at several strategic points, including the Monas area, Jakarta. All parties have shown strong determination to maintain a conducive and responsible atmosphere.
Secretary General of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI), Dedi Hardianto, emphasized that this year’s May Day commemoration will be a peaceful and measured event to convey aspirations.
“We are a peaceful protest, we must remain peaceful, we cannot not. This is a celebration, even though we are voicing various workers’ rights, we remain peaceful,” said Dedi Hardianto.
KSBSI also expressed support for the Prabowo Subianto government’s policy in improving workers’ living standards. The hope was conveyed that the government would increasingly open up space for dialogue with workers in formulating inclusive employment policies.
May Day 2025 also has the potential to be an important moment in the history of state and labor relations. The President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, called President Prabowo Subianto’s planned presence among the workers a symbol of the state’s respect for the workers’ struggle.
“The Monas field will be attended by President Prabowo Subianto as President of the Republic of Indonesia. This is the second time history has repeated itself, a President of the Republic of Indonesia is present directly with workers in the May Day celebration. The first to do so was the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Bung Karno or Ir Soekarno on May 1, 1965,” said Said Iqbal.
In Banten, the same nuance was voiced by the Regional Leadership Council of the National Workers Union (DPD-SPN). They invited all workers to welcome May Day with a positive spirit and full national awareness.
“Let us commemorate and celebrate May Day 2025 in a dignified, peaceful and meaningful way,” wrote the official statement of the Banten DPD-SPN.
A soothing voice also came from civil society. The General Chair of the National Conscience Movement (GNK), Habib Syakur Ali, called on all labor elements to maintain an atmosphere of unity and not give room for provocation.
“May Day is an important moment for workers to voice their rights, but it must be celebrated in a positive, joyful way, and while maintaining unity,” concluded Habib Syakur Ali.
The commemoration of May Day 2025 will be an important momentum that shows that the workers’ struggle can be conveyed peacefully and constructively. The government welcomes it openly, and workers are ready to move together towards a more prosperous Indonesia. [^]
