Kuya Food Express – The International Workers’ Day (May Day) commemoration in 2026 at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, on Friday, May 1, 2026, marked a truly historic moment for the Indonesian labor landscape. Before an assembly of hundreds of thousands of workers, President Prabowo Subianto unveiled a landmark “gift”: the official ratification of the Domestic Worker Protection Law (UU PPRT).
This pivotal approval concludes a protracted 22-year struggle waged by dedicated activists and domestic workers who have tirelessly championed this crucial regulation since the reform era. “Today, I am proud to report to you all that we have officially ratified the Domestic Worker Protection Law. This has been a long-standing battle, a 22-year fight,” President Prabowo declared from the Monas field, his words echoing across the vast crowd.
A Historic Legislative Step in Indonesia
President Prabowo further emphasized that this policy represents the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting informal sector workers, who have historically lacked legal certainty, particularly concerning their fundamental rights and workplace protections. This new legislation is set to transform the lives of countless individuals.
“Indeed, throughout the history of the Republic, there has never been a specific law to protect domestic helpers. Their wages were often ambiguous and unregulated. Now, for the very first time in the history of the Republic of Indonesia, we have ratified the Domestic Worker Protection Law,” he firmly asserted, highlighting the monumental nature of this legal advancement.
Marsinah Declared National Hero
Beyond the ratification of the UU PPRT, the President made another significant announcement that resonated deeply with the public: the designation of Marsinah as a National Hero. This move pays tribute to the iconic labor activist. Furthermore, President Prabowo unveiled plans to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk, East Java, solidifying her legacy.
“This month, I will also travel to Nganjuk to inaugurate the workers’ struggle museum, which will be named the Marsinah Museum,” Prabowo added, indicating his personal dedication to honoring her memory and the broader Indonesian labor movement.
President Prabowo also took the opportunity to acknowledge that the steadfast support from workers was a critical factor in his political journey to the presidency. He reaffirmed his profound commitment to perpetually championing the rights and welfare of the common people.
“I believe I became president thanks to the support of workers, farmers, fishermen, and laborers across all of Indonesia. I am determined, I swear to fight for the interests of all Indonesian people, especially those who are still facing hardships in their lives,” he concluded, underscoring his pledge to serve the nation’s most vulnerable.
The May Day 2026 celebration drew an estimated 400,000 workers from various federations, including KSPSI and KSPI. The event was further enlivened by captivating performances from renowned musicians such as Kotak, Kangen Band, and Tipe-X, transforming the gathering into a memorable festival of solidarity and achievement. (Tribuntrends.com/Grid.ID/Ulfa Lutfia Hidayati)
Summary
On May Day 2026, President Prabowo Subianto officially ratified the Domestic Worker Protection Law (UU PPRT) at a mass gathering in Jakarta, marking the end of a 22-year legislative struggle. This historic law aims to provide legal certainty and formal protections for domestic workers, a group that has historically lacked official labor safeguards in Indonesia.
In addition to the new law, President Prabowo announced that the iconic labor activist Marsinah has been designated as a National Hero. He also shared plans to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk, East Java, to honor her contributions to the labor movement. The President reiterated his commitment to advocating for the welfare of workers and vulnerable communities across the country.