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President Prabowo Subianto received a predominantly negative response from labor workers during the May Day 2026 celebrations at the Monas area in Jakarta. Even as engaging with the crowd on Friday, May 1, 2026, the President asked the attendees whether the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program was beneficial.
Workers Reject MBG Program Benefits
The dominant response from the workers to the President’s inquiry was tidak (no). The reaction was so immediate that one labor leader standing behind the President was heard saying waduh.
President Prabowo was accompanied during the event by Mensesneg Prasetyo Hadi, KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea and KSPSI Chairman Jumhur Hidayat. The interaction occurred amidst a backdrop of significant labor demands.
Labor Demands and Presidential Promises
The workforce expressed several urgent demands during the May Day gathering. These included the legalization of the Labor Law (RUU Ketenagakerjaan), the total removal of outsourcing, and a rejection of low wages.
Workers similarly voiced deep concerns regarding the impact of global conflicts, which they fear could trigger a wave of layoffs (PHK).
This negative response to the MBG program comes despite six specific promises made by the President to labor groups:
- A maximum 8 percent cut for Ojol (online taxi/bike) drivers.
- The formation of a PHK task force.
- The establishment of a Labor Welfare Council.
- Subsidized housing specifically for workers in industrial zones.
- People’s credit with 5 percent interest.
- The construction of 1,386 fishing villages.
the President has promised that the Labor Law will be completed in 2026.
Call for Program Evaluation and Accountability
The response from the workers is being viewed as a qualitative indicator that the MBG program requires evaluation. Such a process is not intended to stop the program, but to restructure it to be more efficient, economical, and effective.
Critics argue that an immediate correction is necessary to protect the President’s prestige. Proper evaluation could prevent the program from leaving a negative policy record that might be questioned if national leadership changes in the future.
There is also a significant focus on the moral obligation to protect public funds. Because these programs are funded by taxpayers, critics warn that poor governance and a lack of accountability could lead to widespread distrust among citizens and business owners.
Failure to correct the program’s course could potentially create a political or legal bom waktu (time bomb) in the future, particularly when new political actors take over the presidency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the primary demands of the workers during May Day 2026?
The workers demanded the legalization of the Labor Law (RUU Ketenagakerjaan), the removal of outsourcing, the rejection of low wages, and expressed concerns that global conflicts could lead to mass layoffs (PHK).
What specific financial commitments did President Prabowo make to workers?
The President promised a maximum 8 percent cut for Ojol drivers and the provision of people’s credit with an interest rate of 5 percent.
Why is the evaluation of the MBG program considered necessary?
Evaluation is seen as a way to make the program more effective, efficient, and economical, while ensuring accountability for taxpayer money and preventing future legal or political issues during leadership transitions.
How can governments better align large-scale social programs with the immediate needs and perceptions of the workforce?
