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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – On May 1, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto delivered a significant speech in front of thousands of workers at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, marking International Workers’ Day or May Day. The president made bold promises aimed at improving the welfare of Indonesian workers, particularly focusing on eliminating the outsourcing system and protecting workers from unfair layoffs.
In his speech, Prabowo unveiled plans to form a National Workers’ Welfare Council, which will consist of trade union leaders from across the country. The council’s main role will be to study the current conditions of workers in Indonesia and advise the president on any laws or regulations that may be detrimental to their rights and welfare. According to Prabowo, the council will provide a platform for workers’ voices to be heard directly at the highest levels of government.
“Today, I want to give a gift to the workers. I will immediately form the National Workers’ Welfare Council,” Prabowo announced. Their task is to study the condition of workers and advise me on which laws are not in order, which regulations are harming workers, and we will fix them immediately.
One of the most striking commitments made by the president was his intention to eliminate the outsourcing system in Indonesia. This controversial practice, often criticized for its exploitation of workers, has long been a point of contention between labor unions and employers. Prabowo emphasized that the outsourcing system would be phased out, but with an acknowledgment of the importance of maintaining a balance with the needs of investors.
“We must also be realistic,” said Prabowo. We need to protect the interests of investors. If investors do not build factories, there will be no jobs for workers. But at the same time, we must ensure that workers are treated fairly.”
Prabowo’s speech also touched on the issue of layoffs, with the president outlining plans to address the growing concern over job losses. He announced the formation of a Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK), which will protect workers from arbitrary dismissals. The task force aims to provide support to those who may be affected by layoffs, ensuring that such decisions are handled fairly and that the state is prepared to intervene if necessary.
“We will not let our people, our workers, be laid off arbitrarily,” Prabowo declared. “If necessary, the state will intervene to protect the workers.”
Government’s Support for Workers’ Rights
In addition to Prabowo’s remarks, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi also attended the event, offering the government’s continued support for the labor force. He assured workers that the government was actively working on strategies to mitigate the threat of layoffs.
“We are compiling the right substance for a mitigation policy,” said Prasetyo. “We want to address layoffs from the beginning, not when a crisis has already occurred. We will study the demands and follow up on them accordingly.”
The issue of layoffs has been a central concern for workers in Indonesia, with many fearing job insecurity due to economic pressures and automation. Workers have long called for stronger protections against layoffs, and Prabowo’s announcement of the mitigation task force signals a step toward addressing these concerns.
The May Day Demonstration
Thousands of workers from across Indonesia gathered at Monas to celebrate International Workers’ Day and present their demands to the government. The event was peaceful, with workers voicing their concerns about job security, wages, and working conditions. Six main demands were highlighted, with a significant focus on mitigating layoffs.
The government has expressed its commitment to finding solutions to these issues, working to design anticipatory measures to prevent layoffs before they occur. Prasetyo emphasized that the government would not wait until a crisis is in full swing but instead work proactively to protect workers.
“We don’t want to just handle it at the end when layoffs occur. We want to design anticipatory steps from the start,” he said.
President Prabowo Subianto’s speech on May Day 2025 marked a significant moment for Indonesian workers. His promise to eliminate the outsourcing system and establish a National Workers’ Welfare Council reflects a commitment to improving workers’ rights in the country. Furthermore, the formation of a Mitigation Task Force for layoffs demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing one of the most pressing concerns for Indonesian workers.
While the path to these reforms will require collaboration between workers, employers, and the government, Prabowo’s May Day speech sets a tone of partnership and mutual respect, emphasizing that a strong economy can only be built when both workers and investors are treated fairly.
FAQ: Prabowo Subianto’s May Day Speech on Workers’ Welfare and Layoff Mitigation
1. What was President Prabowo’s main message during his May Day speech?
President Prabowo Subianto’s main message was his commitment to improving workers’ welfare in Indonesia. He promised to eliminate the outsourcing system, form a National Workers’ Welfare Council, and establish a Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK) to protect workers from arbitrary layoffs.
2. What is the National Workers’ Welfare Council?
The National Workers’ Welfare Council is a new body that will consist of trade union leaders from across Indonesia. Its role will be to study workers’ conditions and advise the president on laws or regulations that are harmful to workers. The council will help ensure that workers’ rights are protected and improve labor laws in the country.
3. Why does President Prabowo want to eliminate the outsourcing system?
Prabowo wants to eliminate the outsourcing system because it has often been seen as exploitative for workers. By removing outsourcing, he aims to ensure that workers have more job security and better benefits. However, he also emphasized the need to balance workers’ rights with the interests of investors.
4. How does Prabowo plan to protect workers from layoffs?
To protect workers from layoffs, Prabowo announced the formation of a Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK). This task force will help ensure that layoffs are conducted fairly and will intervene when necessary to prevent arbitrary job losses. The task force aims to provide support to workers who are affected by layoffs.
5. What is the government’s approach to layoffs, as mentioned by Minister Prasetyo Hadi?
Minister Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the government is actively working on creating policies to mitigate the risk of layoffs. Rather than waiting until layoffs occur, the government plans to implement anticipatory measures to address potential job losses early and effectively.
6. What are the six main demands raised by the workers on May Day?
The six main demands raised by the workers included calls for better job security, higher wages, improved working conditions, and stronger protection against layoffs. One of the most highlighted concerns was the need for better measures to mitigate layoffs.
7. How does Prabowo balance workers’ rights with the interests of investors?
Prabowo acknowledged that protecting workers’ rights is crucial but emphasized the need to be realistic about the role of investors in Indonesia’s economy. He stated that if investors do not build factories, there will be no jobs for workers. He called for a cooperative relationship between workers and investors to ensure both parties can thrive.
8. When will the National Workers’ Welfare Council be formed?
President Prabowo announced that the National Workers’ Welfare Council will be formed immediately. The council will be made up of union leaders who will begin their work of studying workers’ conditions and advising the president on labor laws that need reform.
9. Will the government take action against companies that lay off workers unfairly?
Yes, President Prabowo has promised that the government will not hesitate to intervene if companies lay off workers unfairly. The Mitigation Task Force for PHK will oversee these cases and ensure that layoffs are justified and handled according to fair practices.
10. How will the formation of the Mitigation Task Force benefit workers?
The Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK) will provide a safety net for workers who face potential job loss. It will ensure that layoffs are not arbitrary, help workers find alternative employment, and provide government support when necessary to prevent unjust dismissals.
11. What is the significance of Prabowo’s speech on May Day?
Prabowo’s speech was a significant moment in addressing the concerns of Indonesian workers. His promises to improve workers’ rights, eliminate outsourcing, and create a task force to address layoffs reflect a strong commitment to labor reform. His speech also set the tone for greater collaboration between the government, workers, and employers to create a fairer and more sustainable labor environment in Indonesia.
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