JAKARTA — Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the government continues to strengthen a range of pro-labor policies, demonstrating a firm commitment to ensuring the protection and welfare of workers across Indonesia.
The President emphasized that workers are the backbone of the national economy, and thus their welfare must remain a top priority.
During the commemoration of Labor Day on Thursday (May 1, 2025), President Prabowo stated that when low-income workers earn a decent wage, people’s purchasing power will increase.
“I have a very simple economic theory: if low-income earners receive adequate wages, their purchasing power will rise,” he said.
He added that the government has allocated more than IDR 500 trillion for social protection programs, ranging from the expansion of free BPJS Health coverage, free education for workers’ children, to electricity subsidies and direct cash assistance.
“We fight to ensure that no citizen suffers. All these policies aim to safeguard the purchasing power and dignity of workers,” he stressed.
The President also highlighted the importance of national recognition of workers’ struggles. He urged labor unions to propose Marsinah as a candidate for national hero status.
“Why has there never been a national hero from the labor movement? I ask labor unions to deliberate and propose Marsinah if they agree,” he said.
Labor leader Said Iqbal welcomed the government’s initiatives, affirming his commitment to continue monitoring the implementation of pro-labor policies.
“We appreciate these concrete measures, but we will continue to oversee their realization,” he said.
According to him, the government’s consistency in implementing pro-labor policies is key to ensuring tangible benefits for workers.
Meanwhile, Minister of Manpower Yassierli stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to expand the coverage of the Workers’ Social Security Program (Jamsostek), particularly for informal workers.
“Currently, only around 11.99 percent of informal workers are covered by BPJS Employment. Social protection is not a burden—it is a fundamental necessity for every worker,” he said during the BPJS Employment Public Exposé in Jakarta, Tuesday (August 19, 2025).
He explained that the government aims to achieve Jamsostek coverage of 99.5 percent by 2045.
“Mutual cooperation is the DNA of our nation. By expanding partnerships, introducing flexible contribution schemes, and strengthening education, we can achieve comprehensive protection for all Indonesian workers,” Yassierli noted.
Through these policy directions, the government reaffirms its determination to build a fair, humane work ecosystem that secures the future of workers as an essential part of the nation’s progress. (*)
