Jakarta — Welcoming International Workers’ Day (May Day) which falls on May 1, 2025, the General Chairperson of the National Conscience Movement (GNK), Habib Syakur Ali, called on all workers in Indonesia to celebrate it with a positive, peaceful, and joyful spirit.
He emphasized that May Day is an important moment to voice workers’ rights, but it must be done in a polite and dignified manner.
“May Day is an important moment for workers to voice their rights, but it must be celebrated in a positive, joyful way, and while maintaining unity,” said Habib Syakur.
He reminded workers not to be provoked by parties who try to exploit this celebration with an anarchic agenda.
“We must be careful of individuals who want to harm the essence of the workers’ struggle with anarchic or violent actions. Do not let the noble May Day be tarnished by the interests of certain groups,” he added.
According to Habib Syakur Ali, workers must become intelligent and dignified pioneers of change.
“Indonesian workers must appear as intelligent and dignified pioneers of change. Do not let provocation damage our solidarity,” he stressed.
In line with that, Political Observer from Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta, Dr. Nurmadi Harsa Sumarta, also appealed to workers to be wise in responding to the momentum of May Day.
He assessed that demonstrations that were not managed well could have wide-ranging impacts, ranging from economic losses to damage to the image of the national industry.
“Uncontrolled demonstrations can cause a domino effect. Not only economic losses, but also can destroy the industry’s reputation,” Nurmadi explained.
He added that an unfavorable situation could cause investors to withdraw and move their businesses to other countries.
Therefore, all labor elements are expected to maintain national stability and make May Day a peaceful, enjoyable event and strengthen national unity.
Previously, the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbal also appreciated President Prabowo’s plan to attend the Labor Day Commemoration.
“The Monas field was directly attended by President Prabowo Subianto as the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This is the second history that has repeated itself, a President of the Republic of Indonesia was present directly with workers in the celebration of May Day or International Labor Day. The first to do so was the first message of the Republic of Indonesia, namely Bung Karno or Ir Soekarno on May 1, 1965,” he said.
