Prabowo to Inaugurate Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk

President Prabowo Subianto's recent announcement to inaugurate the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk marks a significant moment for Indonesia's labor movement and its historical memory. Speaking at the International Labor Day commemoration in Jakarta, Prabowo declared his intention to visit Nganjuk soon to officially open the museum dedicated to Marsinah, a pivotal figure in the struggle for workers' rights.

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This month I will also depart for Nglundo Village, Nganjuk, East Java to inaugurate the labor struggle museum named Museum Marsinah.

The establishment of the Marsinah Museum is a testament to the enduring legacy of a woman who became an icon of Indonesian labor activism. Marsinah was found dead in May 1993, following a strike she led in Sidoarjo, during the oppressive New Order regime. Her case remains a dark chapter in Indonesia's history, symbolizing the brutal suppression of labor rights and human rights. By designating her a national hero and supporting the creation of this museum, the current administration acknowledges the sacrifices made by activists like Marsinah and seeks to ensure their struggles are not forgotten.

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We have elevated Mrs. Marsinah as a national hero.

The museum's location in Nganjuk, Marsinah's hometown, and its planned setting within her grandmother's former residence, adds a layer of personal history and authenticity to the project. The initiative, driven by a "gotong royong" (mutual cooperation) funding mechanism involving various labor coalitions, underscores the collective effort to honor Marsinah's memory. This grassroots support, as noted by Andi Gani Nena Wea, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI), reflects a deep desire within the labor community to create a lasting monument to her struggle and to inspire future generations.

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The family wants something truly monumental. Marsinah's struggle was so difficult and must be remembered by the public and the laborers.