The country honors the workers, hence, May Day is a public holiday now.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Muhaimin Iskandar, said that he fought to get International Workers' Day declared a public holiday as a cabinet minister during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency from 2009 to 2014.

In a written statement released on Monday, he informed that May Day is a significant day for him personally as he views workers as a united social entity with high solidarity instead of mere individuals who work for money.

"For that reason, I fought to have May Day as a public holiday while serving as the minister of manpower and transmigration," Iskandar stated.

The Presidential Decision No. 24 of 2013, declaring International Workers' Day a public holiday in Indonesia, was lauded by labor groups who expressed their support by organizing social activities and demonstrations, he added.

According to Iskandar, making May Day a holiday is a sign that labor is a national priority and is a form of the state's presence among them.

"The country honors the workers, hence, May Day is a public holiday now," he stressed.

Iskandar also urged workers to utilize the Workers' Day momentum by organizing good activities, such as charity events.

"The May Day commemoration must be utilized (by organizing) charity events. However, it is also important to develop industrial solidarity to be more harmonious nationally to benefit all relevant parties," the deputy speaker said.

He commended workers' solidarity in advocating and demanding better rights and well-being, saying that the demonstrations that usually take place every May 1 reflect the workers' unity in fighting for the common welfare.

"In principle, the May 1 commemoration can take place every year through various agendas. Some might (organize) thanksgiving activities, while others demonstrate. It is permitted because they are united to fight for the common welfare," Iskandar said.

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Translator: Narda Margaretha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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