By: Andi Mahesa)*
Every May 1st, the world commemorates International Workers’ Day or commonly called May Day. In Indonesia, this momentum is not just a symbol of the struggle of the working class, but also a reflective space to strengthen the synergy between workers, government, and employers in realizing inclusive and sustainable national development.
The year 2025 is a pivotal point in the dynamics of industrial relations in the country. With the new national leadership under President Prabowo Subianto, the spirit to strengthen workers’ protection and welfare is increasingly echoed through programs designed in Asta Cita or eight priority national development programs. One of the main focuses of Asta Cita is improving the welfare of workers and the people in general, which has received a positive response from various labor elements in Indonesia.
Deputy Regent of Deli Serdang, Lom Lom Suwondo, emphasized that the May Day commemoration is not just an annual ceremony, but is part of the government’s commitment to provide space for aspirations and services to workers. According to him, workers are not merely policy objects, but strategic partners in regional and community development. In the reflection of May Day activities, there will be many evaluations that must be carried out regarding the synergy that has been established. Of course, how this activity can be a reflection, both for workers and the government, whose perceptions must later be united.
The statement underlines the importance of constructive social dialogue in industrial relations. The ideal May Day commemoration is not just a moment to voice demands, but also a space to build understanding. Local governments such as Deli Serdang have shown a real commitment to fostering harmonious relations with workers for inclusive regional development.
In line with that, the President Director of PT Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER), Didik Prasetiyono, stated that May Day 2025 is a momentum to reaffirm the commitment of all parties to improving workers’ welfare. According to him, workers are a vital element in the national industrial ecosystem, because according to him, improving workers’ welfare is a very important part of strengthening the competitiveness of the national industry.
He also added that amidst global challenges such as trade wars, economic fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainty, the stability of the investment climate is the main key. In this context, collective awareness to maintain harmony between the interests of workers and the interests of industry becomes very relevant. Creating a healthy investment climate is not only the responsibility of the government or entrepreneurs, but is a collective awareness.
The statement delivered by Didik Prasetiyono reflects a modern, collaborative, participatory, and mutually reinforcing industrial relations approach. The success of the industry cannot be separated from the productivity and welfare of workers, while the sustainability of workers’ welfare also depends greatly on the stability and progress of the industry itself.
Meanwhile, from South Kalimantan, the Chairman of the South Kalimantan DPW Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Unions (FSPMI), Yoeyoen Indharto, expressed his support for Asta Cita carried by President Prabowo Subianto. He said that the programs in Asta Cita are very pro-laborers and workers, and hopes that this year’s May Day commemoration can raise the spirit and performance of workers/laborers in playing an active role in the economy and national development in South Kalimantan.
The support conveyed by labor elements for the government program shows that May Day is no longer just a day of resistance, but also a day of collaboration. This change in approach shows the maturity of the Indonesian labor system which is increasingly democratic and open to dialogue.
Indonesian workers are now not only demanding their rights, but are also ready to be actively involved in making the government’s strategic programs a success. One of them is active involvement in infrastructure development, digital-based industrial transformation, and strengthening the competitiveness of the national workforce in the global arena.
In the framework of national development, the role of workers is very crucial. They are the spearheads in the field who ensure that every policy is implemented, every production is achieved, and every economic wheel turns. Therefore, attention to welfare, job security, skills training, and certainty of employment law must continue to be a government priority.
The government itself, in recent years, has shown a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of workers through various policies such as increasing the minimum wage, expanding access to social security for workers, vocational training, and controlling inhumane outsourcing. In the new leadership going forward, challenges such as productivity, digitalization of the workforce, and green jobs will be important agendas that require synergy from all parties.
The momentum of May Day 2025 must be used as a new starting point to strengthen trust between workers, the government, and the business world. Healthy and sustainable social dialogue must become a culture, not just a seasonal activity. By building mutual understanding and trust, society can encourage the creation of a fair, safe, and productive work environment.
Conduciveness is also an important key in maintaining the investment climate. The peaceful and measured delivery of aspirations will be much more effective in influencing public policy than destructive actions that harm all parties. In this case, the responsibility for maintaining peace lies not only on the shoulders of workers, but also the government and entrepreneurs to always open up space for dialogue and respond fairly.
)* The author is a student who lives in Jakarta.
