By: Abdul Razak*
Efforts to safeguard worker welfare continue to be a serious concern for various parties, from the central government and local governments to labor unions. Amidst the challenging dynamics of the global economy, strengthening reliable public services and harmonious industrial relations are key to ensuring workers’ rights are protected.
At the national level, the government has also emphasized its commitment to strengthening worker protection through improving the quality of public services in the employment sector. Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, emphasized that strategic services such as Job Loss Insurance (JKP), job training, and job market access must be able to meet the needs of the community quickly and responsively.
Yassierli stated that public services must not experience disruptions, both in terms of technical aspects and accessibility. He emphasized that there must be no more application disruptions or communication channels that are difficult for the public to access.
According to Yassierli, obstacles in public services are not merely technical issues but can directly impact the public’s access to social protection. Therefore, the state must be present through a reliable, accessible, and well-integrated service system.
He also emphasized the importance of internal coordination within the Ministry of Manpower. Yassierli assessed that a single public service generally involves many work units, so improvements must be comprehensive and not partial. Furthermore, he encouraged the implementation of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and energy-saving work patterns as part of adapting to global challenges, including economic pressures and the energy crisis.
A similar commitment is also evident at the regional level, such as the Pasuruan Regency Government’s efforts to maintain stable industrial relations. Ahead of the commemoration of International Labor Day or May Day 2026, the regional government is collaborating with labor unions and employers to strengthen collaboration.
Through a halal bihalal (gathering) event held at the Pasuruan Regency Hall, Pasuruan Regent Rusdi Sutejo, along with representatives of labor and the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO), established constructive communication. The meeting served as a crucial opportunity to ensure conducive industrial relations amidst increasing attention to labor issues.
Rusdi Sutejo expressed his appreciation to the workers who are considered capable of maintaining business stability in Pasuruan Regency. He considered that harmonious relations between workers, employers, and the government are a crucial factor in maintaining the investment climate.
Rusdi Sutejo also emphasized that the local government is ready to assist workers facing employment issues. He opened a direct communication space as a form of commitment to serving the community, especially laborers.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Pasuruan Regency Manpower Office, Rakhmat Syarifudin, explained that the event was attended by dozens of labor union representatives. In addition to serving as a gathering, the forum was also used to discuss preparations for the May Day commemoration to ensure a safe and orderly process.
Rakhmat Syarifudin stated that cross-stakeholder coordination is crucial to ensure that May Day commemorations are not merely a commemorative event but also strengthen harmonious industrial relations. He emphasized his full support for the role of workers in maintaining regional stability.
Furthermore, efforts to honor the labor struggle are also being realized through the development of educational infrastructure. The Marsinah Museum construction project in Nganjuk Regency is a concrete symbol of this commitment. By the end of March 2026, the museum’s construction progress had reached 95 percent and was entering the final completion stage.
Project implementer, Edi Cahyono, stated that the museum’s construction was proceeding according to plan and was targeted for completion in mid-April 2026. He was optimistic that the museum’s inauguration could take place in time for May Day.
Edi Cahyono explained that the museum was designed with an industrial-style interior concept that represents the character of the labor world. In addition to being a regional icon, the museum is also expected to become a center for education on the history of the labor struggle for the younger generation.
According to him, weather conditions, which had previously been a challenge, are no longer a significant factor because the construction process has focused on the interior work. He ensured that the final stages of the project can be completed on time.
The presence of the Marsinah Museum serves as a reminder that the labor struggle holds significant historical value for the nation. Furthermore, its construction reflects an ongoing commitment to honoring workers’ contributions while strengthening collective awareness of the importance of labor protection.
Various steps taken, including strengthening public services, resolving labor disputes, and constructing symbols of labor struggle, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to worker welfare. Synergy between the government, labor unions, and the business world is a key foundation for creating healthy and sustainable industrial relations.
With increasingly reliable services and stronger coordination, the hope of achieving better labor welfare is not impossible. This momentum is crucial for continuing to strengthen labor protection while encouraging inclusive economic growth in Indonesia.
)* The author is a Strategic Issues Observer
