Nurhalim, Banda Aceh – The commemoration of International Labour Day (May Day) 2025 has again reverberated in the Acehnese provincial capital of Banda Aceh, where hundreds of workers and journalists took to the streets to voice their aspirations.

The action was cantered in front of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, with various demands that reflect the labour struggle.

Since early morning, the demonstrators, who are members of the Aceh Workers Alliance (ABA), had been with burning enthusiasm. They carried banners and posters highlighting labour issues ranging from protection under a new labour law, to rejecting outsourcing work systems and demands that the government optimally implement Labour Qanun (Bylaw) Number 1/2024.

Not only that, the workers also demanded a decent wage, the ratification of the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (RUU PPRT) and that the government's commitment to eradicating corruption. Local issues such as social protection for informal workers, including coffee shop workers, were also a main focus of the action.

During the peaceful action, representatives of the Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRA) were also present to hear the workers' aspirations personally. Meanwhile, a written request for an audience has been sent to the Acehnese governor in the hope that regional leaders can pay more attention to workers' welfare.

In addition to the demonstration, the May Day commemorations in Banda Aceh were also enlivened by activities such as a radio talk show, an audience with the Aceh Provincial Labour Office, and a convoy around the city as a public awareness campaign.

Journalists also took part in this action by holding a joint bike ride, carrying an important message about protecting media workers and stopping violence against journalists.

Under the theme "Knitting Collaboration to Realise a Prosperous Aceh", they said that this year's May Day commemoration is a momentum for workers and employees to continue fighting for their rights. The spirit of solidarity shown at the action is evidence that the workers' struggle in Aceh is still ongoing, with the hope that policies will be created that are more in favour of workers.

"May Day is not just a commemoration, but also a call for all parties to work together to create a fairer and more prosperous work environment. Aceh has spoken. Now it is the government's turn to listen", they said.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "May Day 2025: Suara Buruh Menggema di Banda Aceh".]

Source: https://indonesiainvestigasi.com/may-day-2025-suara-buruh-menggema-di-banda-aceh/01/