Jakarta – The commemoration of International Workers’ Day (May Day) which falls on May 1, 2025, took place peacefully, orderly, and full of collaborative spirit in various regions of Indonesia. This year’s labor action not only reflects the maturity of democracy, but also reflects a shared commitment to maintaining stability, fighting for welfare, and strengthening synergy between workers, employers, and the government.
In various regions, thousands of workers took to the streets carrying messages of peace and constructive aspirations.
Secretary General of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI), Dedi Hardianto, emphasized that the workers’ action this time was peaceful and responsible. “We are a peaceful action, we must remain peaceful. Even though we are voicing problematic working hours and wages, we remain peaceful,” he said. KSBSI also expressed support for the Prabowo Subianto government’s policies as long as the policies are in favor of workers’ welfare.
President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, warmly welcomed President Prabowo’s direct presence in the May Day celebration at Monas. “This is history repeating itself after Bung Karno in 1965. The presence of the President is a symbol of respect for the workers’ struggle,” he said.
Security forces also provided full support in guarding this peaceful action. Metro Jaya Police Chief, Inspector General Karyoto, emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum of May Day to remain conducive. “Don’t let there be any security disturbances that tarnish the image of this celebration,” he said.
Likewise, Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Ribut Hari Wibowo invited workers to remain vigilant against potential infiltration by parties who want to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
In Banten Province, the National Workers Union (SPN) DPD called on workers to commemorate May Day with dignity and intelligence. “This nation is great not because of its noise, but because of its unity,” SPN Banten emphasized.
Meanwhile, political observer from Sebelas Maret University, Dr. Nurmadi Harsa Sumarta, reminded that labor actions must be carried out wisely so as not to cause negative impacts on the investment climate. “Demonstrations that are not managed well can have an impact on the reputation of the industry and the national economy,” he said.
The Head of SPSI South Aceh, Muhammad Dini, called May Day a day of collaboration. “Let’s knit together to improve workers’ welfare and national productivity,” he said. The Head of FSP Kahutindo PPU, Dedi Saidi, said something similar, prioritizing dialogue as a solution to labor issues. “We want to show that workers can also contribute positively in the work environment,” he said.
The momentum of May Day 2025 is also used by the industrial sector for introspection and internal improvement. CEO of PT Hernadhi Jaya Abadi, Heru Purnomo, encouraged employers and labor unions to prepare pre-retirement programs for the long-term welfare of workers.
Overall, May Day 2025 reflects the new face of the Indonesian labor movement: peaceful, dignified, and united in the spirit of collaboration. This is an important turning point that the labor struggle is not just about wages and working hours, but also about maintaining the stability of the nation and creating a better future for all Indonesian people.
