President Prabowo Supports Proposal to Declare Labor Activist Marsinah a National Hero
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto expressed his full support for the proposal to designate Marsinah, a renowned labor activist, as a National Hero representing Indonesian workers.
The statement was delivered during the 2025 Labor Day (May Day) commemoration held at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Thursday. Responding to aspirations voiced by labor union leaders, President Prabowo acknowledged the significance of honoring figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the labor movement in Indonesia.
“I had met with labor figures, and they asked me about selecting a national hero from among the workers,” President Prabowo stated in his address.
He encouraged union leaders to deliberate and nominate a candidate they believe is most deserving. “They then said, how about Marsinah to become a National Hero?” he continued, adding, “As long as all labor figures represent the workers, I will support Marsinah’s nomination as a National Hero.”
Marsinah, born on April 10, 1969, in Nganjuk, East Java, was a courageous labor activist who worked at a watch factory in Sidoarjo. She became a prominent figure in advocating for workers’ rights, especially concerning fair wages and better working conditions. In early May 1993, she took part in a workers’ strike and continued to actively voice demands. Tragically, she was found dead on May 8, 1993. Her death became a symbol of the struggles and sacrifices made by labor activists in Indonesia.
Her legacy continues to inspire movements across the nation, particularly on International Labor Day, where various groups commemorate her unwavering spirit in the pursuit of justice.
At this year’s May Day rally, the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) outlined six key demands from workers. These include the elimination of the outsourcing system, the establishment of a Layoff Task Force, the realization of a living wage, protection for workers through the passage of a new Manpower Bill, protection of domestic workers via the ratification of the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), and the eradication of corruption by ratifying the Asset Confiscation Bill.
President Prabowo’s endorsement of Marsinah’s nomination marks a significant gesture towards recognizing the contributions of workers to Indonesia’s development and the importance of preserving the history of labor rights advocacy.
