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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The commemoration of International Labor Day, or May Day, at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta concluded on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Thousands of workers gathered to hear President Prabowo Subianto’s speech, after which the crowd began to disperse. However, the event did not end without a memorable moment, as Prabowo personally engaged with the workers in attendance.
After delivering his speech, Prabowo exited the main stage, surrounded by tight security. He proceeded to his car, but before leaving the area, Prabowo stood on top of his vehicle and greeted the workers. In a gesture of goodwill, he threw parcels containing t-shirts and hats towards the crowd, which were enthusiastically received by those who gathered around his car.
The workers cheered, chanting “Prabowo! Prabowo! Mr. Prabowo!” as barricades were formed by some of the workers to escort the president’s departure. The crowd’s excitement and energy were palpable, with the president engaging directly with the people who came to celebrate May Day.
Special Gift for May 1 Birthdays
In a heartwarming moment during the event, the host shared that 14 ID cards had been submitted to the committee, each representing workers born on May 1. Initially, the plan was for one of them to be selected through a lottery and sent on an Umrah pilgrimage. However, in an unexpected gesture, Prabowo instructed that all 14 workers would be sent on the pilgrimage.
“The 14 ID cards that we managed to collect, all born on May 1, will be sent on Umrah on Prabowo Subianto’s instructions,” said the event committee. The workers were visibly touched by this generous gesture, which reflected Prabowo’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and rewarding the labor force.
A Promised National Workers’ Welfare Council
During his speech, President Prabowo made a series of significant promises aimed at improving the conditions of Indonesian workers. One of his key announcements was the immediate formation of the National Workers’ Welfare Council, which will be composed of trade union leaders from across the country. The council will be tasked with studying the current state of workers and providing recommendations to the president on labor laws that may be detrimental to their well-being.
“Their job is to study the conditions of workers and advise me on which laws are not in order and do not protect them properly,” Prabowo explained. “We will fix them immediately.”
In addition to the council, Prabowo also promised to form a Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK), which will address the issue of layoffs. The task force aims to ensure that workers are not subjected to arbitrary dismissals, with the state ready to intervene if necessary to protect workers’ rights.
We will immediately form a Layoff Task Force,” Prabowo declared. “We will not let workers be laid off arbitrarily. If necessary, the state will not hesitate to intervene.”
A Strong Commitment to Workers’ Rights
Prabowo’s May Day speech highlighted his ongoing commitment to the welfare of Indonesian workers. His promises to form a National Workers’ Welfare Council and create a task force to mitigate layoffs were seen as a response to ongoing concerns about job security and workers’ rights in the country. The president’s engagement with the crowd, as well as his gestures of goodwill, also underscored his dedication to connecting with the people he represents.
As Indonesia celebrates International Workers’ Day, President Prabowo’s actions and statements have sent a clear message of support for the country’s workforce, with promises of tangible reforms and initiatives to improve their conditions.
FAQ: President Prabowo’s May Day Speech and Promises
1. What happened after President Prabowo’s speech at the May Day event?
After delivering his speech, President Prabowo Subianto immediately left the stage and proceeded to his car. He stood on top of the car and greeted the workers, throwing t-shirts and hats into the crowd. The workers cheered and escorted him as he left the Monas area, showing their appreciation and support.
2. What was the significance of the 14 ID cards collected at the event?
The 14 ID cards collected belonged to workers who were born on May 1, International Workers’ Day. Initially, one of these workers was to be selected via a lottery to go on an Umrah pilgrimage. However, following President Prabowo’s instructions, all 14 workers will be sent on Umrah as a special gift.
3. What is the National Workers’ Welfare Council?
The National Workers’ Welfare Council will be a new body consisting of trade union leaders from across Indonesia. It will be tasked with studying the current conditions of workers and advising President Prabowo on labor laws and regulations that may not be beneficial to workers. The council will also provide recommendations for improving labor policies.
4. What does President Prabowo promise regarding layoffs?
President Prabowo announced that he would form a Mitigation Task Force for Termination of Employment (PHK) to protect workers affected by layoffs. The task force will ensure that layoffs are not arbitrary, and the government will intervene if necessary to protect workers’ rights and prevent unjust job losses.
5. What is the government’s stance on layoffs, according to Prabowo?
President Prabowo emphasized that the government will not allow workers to be laid off arbitrarily. The creation of a task force will help mitigate the impact of layoffs, ensuring fair treatment and, if necessary, state intervention to protect the rights of Indonesian workers.
6. What did Prabowo do to engage with workers during the event?
After his speech, Prabowo engaged directly with the workers by standing on his car and greeting them. He threw parcels containing t-shirts and hats into the crowd, which were eagerly caught by the workers. His gesture was well-received and showed his personal connection with the workers.
7. How did the workers respond to Prabowo’s actions?
The workers enthusiastically cheered and chanted “Prabowo! Prabowo! Mr. Prabowo!” as they followed his car and escorted him out of the Monas area. The crowd’s excitement demonstrated their strong support for the president and his promises to improve workers’ welfare.
8. What are the main promises made by President Prabowo to workers?
President Prabowo’s main promises included the formation of the National Workers’ Welfare Council, the elimination of the outsourcing system, and the creation of a task force to mitigate layoffs. He also expressed his commitment to addressing workers’ concerns and ensuring their rights are protected through these measures.
9. Why did Prabowo decide to send all 14 workers on Umrah?
Prabowo decided to send all 14 workers born on May 1 on the Umrah pilgrimage as a special gesture of goodwill. Originally, only one worker was to be selected through a lottery, but Prabowo chose to fulfill the request for all 14 workers as a meaningful gift on International Workers’ Day.
10. What is Prabowo’s approach to balancing workers’ rights and investor interests?
Prabowo acknowledged the importance of both protecting workers’ rights and attracting investments to Indonesia. While ensuring workers’ welfare, he emphasized the need to balance these priorities, recognizing that if investors do not build factories, there will be no jobs for workers. His approach is to foster collaboration between workers and investors to create a thriving economy for both sides.
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