“This is a historic milestone. Marsinah is the first worker to be granted the title of national hero - a sign of the government’s respect for workers’ struggles,” Said Iqbal said in Cikarang on Monday.
He said the labor community appreciated the government’s decision, which followed a proposal submitted on May 1, 2025, coinciding with International Workers’ Day.
According to Said, Marsinah was a female factory worker who fought against injustice and became a symbol of courage for Indonesian laborers.
He recalled that Marsinah’s name was personally proposed to President Prabowo Subianto, who agreed that she deserved the national honor.
“At that time, I was sitting to his left and said, ‘Mr. President, no worker has ever been named a national hero.’ He immediately replied, ‘Okay, we agree,’” Said recounted.
The proposal was later followed up by the State Secretary, the Minister of Social Affairs, and the Regent of Nganjuk, Marsinah’s hometown.
Said praised the government’s swift action in conferring the national hero title just six months after the proposal, coinciding with the 80th National Heroes Day commemoration.
“From May 1 to this November, the process took only six months. I initially thought it would happen next year, but the President has shown great respect for teachers and workers,” he said.
He expressed hope that Marsinah’s recognition would not remain a mere ceremony but serve as inspiration for workers to continue fighting for social justice.
“This decision proves that workers are an essential part of the nation’s economy. It is also a tribute to the hard work of laborers, especially women,” Said stated.
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Translator: Pradita, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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