East Java Workers to March with 21 Demands on May Day

As International Workers' Day approaches, a significant mobilization is underway in East Java, Indonesia, where an estimated 6,000 workers are preparing to voice their grievances and demands to the provincial government. This large-scale demonstration, spearheaded by the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers' Unions (FSPMI) and other labor alliances, underscores a deep-seated dissatisfaction with current labor conditions and unfulfilled promises.

The workers' agenda is comprehensive, encompassing 21 distinct demands that address both national and regional issues. At the forefront are calls for the immediate ratification of the Labor Bill, the eradication of outsourcing practices, and the implementation of affordable housing initiatives for laborers. Furthermore, workers are demanding clarity and security regarding severance pay, a critical issue that impacts their long-term well-being. This protest is not merely a symbolic observance of May Day; it is a determined effort to hold the East Java Provincial Government accountable for commitments made in the past year.

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Aksi ini diperkirakan melibatkan sekitar 6.000 massa dari FSPMI dari berbagai Kawasan Industri di Jawa Timur, yaitu Kota Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Gresik, Mojokerto, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Jember, Lumajang, dan Tuban.

Nuruddin Hidayat, Deputy Secretary of the FSPMI East Java Regional Executive Board, highlighted the strategic planning behind the demonstration. The FSPMI has mobilized substantial resources, including dozens of buses and trucks, alongside thousands of motorcycles, to ensure a strong turnout from various industrial areas across East Java, including Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Gresik, and others. The day's events are meticulously organized, beginning with Friday prayers at key mosques before a planned long march to the Governor's office, aiming for arrival by 3:00 PM local time.

This collective action represents a powerful consolidation of labor strength in East Java, driven by a pursuit of social justice, improved welfare, and legal certainty for all workers. The FSPMI emphasizes that mere promises are no longer sufficient; tangible policies and actions from the government are urgently required to address the pressing concerns of the workforce. The workers' message is clear: they expect concrete steps towards a more equitable and secure future, and they are prepared to make their voices heard until those expectations are met.

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Aksi May Day 2026 ini merupakan bentuk konsolidasi kekuatan buruh Jawa Timur untuk memperjuangkan keadilan sosial, kesejahteraan, serta kepastian hukum bagi seluruh pekerja.