Regional Labor Figures Choose to Celebrate May Day 2025 with Peaceful and Collaborative Spirit
Lhokseumawe – The commemoration of International Workers’ Day (May Day) 2025 was marked by a collaborative and conducive spirit from various regions in Indonesia. Labor figures from Aceh to Gorontalo unanimously voiced the importance of maintaining public security and order (kamtibmas) as a foundation for shared prosperity.
In Lhokseumawe, the Chairman of the All Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) of Lhokseumawe City, Zainal Abidin Syammah SH, emphasized that peace is the key to the survival of workers. He emphasized that security is not only the responsibility of the authorities, but also workers as part of society.
“Of course, workers must continue to support the conducive Security and Public Order (Kamtibmas) in Lhokseumawe City. Because with a peaceful atmosphere, it is easier for us to earn a daily living,” said Zainal.
Meanwhile, in Gorontalo, the Chairperson of the Gorontalo Province DPW of the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Unions (FSPMI), Meiske Abdullah, invited the public to commemorate Labor Day in an orderly and proportional manner.
“The public should not behave excessively in commemorating International Workers’ Day which is celebrated every May 1,” he said.
For him, May Day celebrations must still consider social and economic stability. He emphasized that stability is the main requirement to realize the desires of workers, including in terms of improving welfare and investment climate.
“Let’s maintain the stability of security and order in the region. Because whatever we want together on Labor Day will certainly go well,” he said.
A similar view was conveyed by the Head of SPSI South Aceh Regency, Muhammad Dini, who emphasized the importance of building a collective spirit and cross-party collaboration. According to him, May Day is not just about demands, but a momentum to unite the strength of workers, employers, and the government.
“The importance of collaboration between workers, employers, and government to face global economic challenges. May Day is Collaboration Day, the spirit must be maintained, let’s knit togetherness to improve workers’ welfare and national productivity,” he said.
He stressed that national productivity and prosperity are inseparable—and can only be achieved through solid cooperation amidst a complex global crisis.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Timber and Forestry Workers’ Union Federation (FSP Kahutindo) PPU, Dedi Saidi, actually took steps to change by canceling the intention to take to the streets and choosing the path of dialogue.
“Actually, I wanted to go to the PPU Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans), but I canceled it. I prefer to have a dialogue rather than take to the streets,” he said.
Dedi takes a persuasive and sustainable approach to presenting a constructive and positive image of workers.
“We want to show that workers can not only voice their demands, but are also able to contribute positively to the surrounding environment and the companies where we work,” he said.
Furthermore, he views May Day as a momentum to strengthen communication and deliberation.
“This is a positive step from our trade union friends who will fill the May Day commemoration on May 1, 2025 by prioritizing comprehensive, conducive communication. All problems, I think, can actually be solved through communication, deliberation and consensus,” he said.
