Indonesia's labour split: co-opted unions vs grassroots at May Day rallies

Indonesia's labour movement is experiencing a sharp divide, exemplified by two contrasting May Day rallies in Jakarta. At the National Monument (Monas), tens of thousands of workers gathered alongside President Prabowo Subianto, who promised a task force to mitigate lay-offs and reduce commissions from ride-hailing platforms like Grab and Gojek. The rally was backed by major confederations—KSPSI, KSPI, and KPBI—led by figures like Said Iqbal. These unions operate within the existing political cartel, tracing their roots to the official unions of the Suharto era.

In contrast, about 10,000 workers assembled at the People's Representative Council complex under the banner “May Day with the People,” organized by the GEBRAK alliance (including KASBI, with 100,000 members, and FPBI). This faction refused government co-optation and adopted an anti-system stance, declaring “Fight Capitalism, Imperialism and Militarism.” They represent independent, militant grassroots origins from the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s. The core demand from both rallies was ending outsourcing, which strips workers of job security and benefits. Currently, at least 80% of all workers earn below the official minimum wage, even in the formal sector due to labour-hire arrangements.