NGANJUK, East Java — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday, May 16, 2026, inaugurated the Marsinah Museum and Resting House, using the occasion to address the brutal killing of the labor activist 33 years ago.
Speaking at the museum site in Nganjuk, President Prabowo stated that the “tragic event of Marsinah being brutally murdered for advocating for the factory workers should never have happened.”
A Symbol of the Powerless
The President described Marsinah as a symbol for the struggle of those who are marginalized. “[Her] struggle signifies the fight of those who are weaker, the poor, the powerless,” Prabowo said, adding that her killing “must be rectified.”
President Prabowo framed the tragedy within the context of Pancasila, the philosophical foundation of Indonesia. He specifically highlighted the fifth principle regarding social justice, noting that the murder of Marsinah was “unnecessary” if the nation’s foundation were properly internalized.
“The wealthy should assist the poor, the strong should support the weak. It’s about kinship,” the President said.
The Legacy of Marsinah
Marsinah, born on April 10, 1969, in Nganjuk, was a laborer at PT Catur Surya Putra (CPS), a watch factory in Sidoarjo. She became a prominent figure in labor rights, leading demonstrations to demand improved working conditions and wage increases for her colleagues.
The events leading to her death began on May 3, 1993, when Marsinah led a demonstration at her workplace. Following the protest, the management of PT CPS, with military assistance, summoned 13 workers identified as strike instigators. On May 5, 1993, these workers were interrogated, threatened, and forced to sign resignation letters.
After learning of the intimidation faced by her coworkers, Marsinah visited the Sidoarjo District Military Command to protest and seek information. She went missing that night.
Her body was discovered on May 8, 1993, in a shack within a forest in Dusun Jegong, Wilangan Village, showing signs of severe torture. She was officially found dead on May 9, 1993. The murder remains an unsolved grave violation of human rights.
National Recognition and Legal Status
In 2025, 32 years after her death, President Prabowo declared Marsinah a national hero, a move the President noted was previously requested by labor communities.
Despite this honorary designation, the legal status of her murder remains unchanged. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has clarified that the decision to name Marsinah a national hero is not related to a reopening of the investigation into her killing.
Potential Implications
While the inauguration of the museum and the national hero status provide official recognition of Marsinah’s struggle, the lack of a reopened investigation suggests that legal closure may remain elusive. Future developments could see continued pressure from labor communities, though current government statements indicate that honorary titles may not automatically trigger new criminal proceedings.