TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto said workers have consistently supported his political career, recalling that he ran in five presidential elections and lost four times before winning office.
“I feel that workers have always supported me. I believe I am president today because of the support of workers, farmers, fishermen, and people across Indonesia,” Prabowo said while attending a May Day celebration at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The chair of the Gerindra Party said that after receiving the mandate as president, he is committed to dedicating the rest of his life to the Indonesian people. He pledged to prioritize policies that benefit those still facing economic hardship.
“Now that you have given me this mandate, I will give my all to defend my people,” he said. “The rest of my life is for my people.”
Prabowo, a former defense minister, said he regularly instructs his Red and White Cabinet to ensure policies serve the public interest.
“Ask all my ministers. When formulating policies, ask whether they benefit ordinary people. If they do, then implement them without hesitation,” he said.
During his roughly 45-minute speech before thousands of workers at Monas, Prabowo also outlined several commitments, including stronger protection for workers at risk of layoffs.
“I will defend the interests of workers. For those threatened with layoffs, we will protect you,” he said.
He announced the establishment of a task force to handle layoffs (Satgas PHK), formed under Presidential Decree No. 10 of 2026. The government, he said, would intervene if companies fail to meet their obligations to affected workers.
Prabowo also introduced new measures for online motorcycle taxi drivers. Under Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on the Protection of Online Transportation Workers, companies are limited to taking a maximum 8 percent commission from fares, allowing drivers to retain at least 92 percent.
He added that online drivers would also receive additional protections, including health insurance, work accident coverage, and holiday bonuses.
Sultan Abdurrahman and Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Prabowo Ratifies ILO Convention on Fishing Worker Protection
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