JAKARTA, Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto attended the national commemoration of International Workers’ Day, or May Day, held at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Prabowo arrived at around 08:40 AM local time accompanied by an official escort. The head of state was seen arriving in a white vehicle produced by state-owned defense manufacturer Pindad, wearing a brown suit and hat. He waved to workers as he entered the Monas area through the Horse Statue entrance.
Prior to the event, Head of the Presidential Communication Bureau Muhammad Qodari emphasized the government’s commitment under Prabowo to improving workers’ welfare. Qodari, who was recently appointed to the post, said the welfare of workers and the health of the business sector should not be seen as contradictory, but rather as mutually reinforcing.
According to him, the state is present not only as a protector of workers but also as a guardian of sustainable employment.
“As part of this commitment, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto was scheduled to attend the peak of the 2026 National Labor Day commemoration at the National Monument in Jakarta,” Qodari said at the bureau’s office in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 29, as quoted from an official press release.
He stressed that the government stands with workers.
“The government wants to emphasize one thing, that its position is not against workers, but stands with them,” Qodari said.
He added that the government understands the concerns faced by workers ahead of Labor Day, including the threat of layoffs, rising living costs, and broader economic uncertainty.
“The government acknowledges and understands these anxieties,” he said.
The May Day 2026 commemoration at Monas was organized by the Labor Party and the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI). The event was initially planned to take place in front of the MPR/DPR/DPD complex in Senayan before being moved to Monas.
The Labor Party and KSPI said they mobilized around 50,000 participants for the event, with total attendance from various labor unions estimated to reach 100,000.
Labor Party President Said Iqbal said the change in venue was decided after a meeting with Prabowo on Tuesday, April 28, which lasted around 120 minutes.
“Before May 1, KSPI and the Labor Party had requested a meeting with the president, and the request was granted,” Said said in a written statement on Wednesday, April 29.
He added that during the meeting, the Labor Party conveyed 11 key issues and workers’ expectations, including a call for the May Day commemoration not to be merely ceremonial.
Read: 8 Demands from Indonesian Workers' Union on May Day 2026
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Pledges Daycare Facilities in Industrial Areas
42 menit lalu
Prabowo has pledged to provide daycare facilities in industrial areas for workers' children during a speech at the May Day commemoration.
Prabowo Sets Minimum 92% Revenue Share for Ride-Hailing Drivers
1 jam lalu
President Prabowo has set the maximum commission for ride-hailing platforms at 8 percent, down from the previous 20 percent.
Prabowo Declares Formation of Layoff Task Force in May Day Speech
2 jam lalu
The plan to form a Task Force on Labor Dismissals was first announced by Prabowo during last year's May Day commemoration.
Jakarta's Divided May Day: State-Backed Event, Independent Protest
4 jam lalu
In Jakarta, May Day events were held at two sites: the National Monument (Monas) and outside the House of Representatives (DPR) complex.
Indonesian Labor Alliance Voices Demands at May Day 2026 Rally
5 jam lalu
KASBI president said concerns over President Prabowo Subianto's authoritarian leadership also featured prominently in this year's May Day.
Prabowo to Attend ASEAN Summit, Discussing Iran War Response
16 jam lalu
Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, with a focus on discussing the impact of the Iran-US war on regional stability, energy, and food.
Prabowo to Inaugurate 21 Upgraded Regional Hospitals Next Month
21 jam lalu
The Indonesian government upgraded 21 regional general hospitals (RSUD), upgrading them from Type D and Type D Pratama to Type C.
Labor Alliance to Hold May Day Rally at Parliament
1 hari lalu
The Gebrak labor alliance declined to join the May Day rally by KSPSI at Monas, which will be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
Prabowo Defends MBG: What's Wrong with Funding the People?
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo defends the Free Nutritious Meal budget in Cilacap, claiming the funds were saved from corruption to benefit 82 million Indonesians.
The Cabinet Secretary's Privilege Inflation
1 hari lalu
Teddy Indra Wijaya has enjoyed a windfall of privileges since serving as Prabowo Subianto's aide. He is now the president's de facto spokesperson.
