Jakarta — Hundreds of thousands of workers from across Indonesia gathered at Jakarta’s Monas area on Thursday (May 1) to celebrate International Workers’ Day. President Prabowo Subianto’s presence at the event was met with enthusiastic cheers and deep appreciation from workers, who viewed his attendance as a genuine show of concern for laborers’ welfare.

“This is a huge gesture of appreciation. To have the President himself attend International Workers’ Day—only the second after Bung Karno—is very positive, especially since workers’ demands were heard directly by the President,” said Yudi, one of the participating workers.

Yudi went on to praise Prabowo’s decision to raise the provincial minimum wage (UMP) by 6.5% for 2025, calling it a bold and unprecedented move. “No previous president has dared to increase the UMP that much. Only President Prabowo has. It’s clear proof that he truly sides with workers and the poor,” he said.

Prabowo’s pro-people policies extend beyond wage increases. Initiatives such as a 50% electricity discount and the provision of free nutritious meals (MBG) have also been positively received. “The electricity discount is a huge help. With our limited income, saving on electricity bills means more money for our children’s education or daily needs,” Yudi explained. He also welcomed the government’s plan to build 20,000 subsidized homes for low-income families.

Having worked since 2005, Yudi shared that this was the first time he had ever felt directly acknowledged by a president. “This is the first time I’ve truly felt a president stand among the workers on May Day. It’s amazing. I’m very optimistic,” he said.

Echoing Yudi’s sentiment, another worker, Fajarudin, expressed his appreciation and hoped the President’s presence would mark a turning point in workers’ welfare. “I feel very positive. Hopefully, this leads to even better conditions for workers moving forward,” he said.

Fajarudin also praised the wage increase and other initiatives like food price stability and the electricity discount. “These are real support mechanisms for low-income communities. In our neighborhood, the free meals program is already running for schoolchildren,” he added.

Regarding the housing program, Fajarudin expressed high hopes. “If this is realized, we’ll be truly grateful. May Indonesia continue to thrive, and may President Prabowo be granted good health to keep fighting for the people,” he said optimistically.