Labour Day Holiday

2023 Labour Day Holiday

Since its inception in 1920, Indonesia has participated in the Labour Day, marked on 1 May, but it was only in 2014 that the day was recognized as a national holiday in Indonesia. This decision, taken by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was made on 29 July 2013. This day is a celebration of workers’ contributions to the nation’s economic development.

Besides, Labour Day also gives workers the opportunity to voice their grievances. It’s a time for workers to take to the streets to fight for their rights, especially wages. So, Labour Day isn’t simply a national holiday, but a reminder of the hard work done by workers, and everything they’re still fighting for.

Labor Day or May Day falls every May 1st on its year. This one special day takes place globally, including in Indonesia.

Initially, Labor Day was a reaction to the industrial revolution in Britain and after that it spread to other countries, such as the United States and Canada. These workers try to fight for a more decent life for them, from working hours, work wages, and the fulfillment of other economic and social rights.

Commemoration of May 1 as International Labor Day is also closely related to Haymarket events. On May 1, 1886, about 400,000 workers in the United States staged a massive demonstration. There, workers demanded the application of fair working hours, marked by demands to reduce working hours to 8 hours a day. The action lasted for 4 days from 1 May.

Labor Day in Indonesia

The history of commemorating Labor Day in Indonesia is quite complicated and long. One of the reasons for this is the changing domestic political climate.

Since April 20, 1948, the Indonesian government has actually enacted Law Number 12 of 1948 concerning Work. Its contents stipulate that on May 1, workers are exempt from working obligations.

However, the change of national leadership has made the regulations change. During the New Order era, the commemoration of May 1 as Labor Day was prohibited. The government acts repressively against workers who carry out strikes, and even does not hesitate to be marked by violence.

It was only during the reform period that trade unions sprang up and took to the streets again on May 1, 2000. Since then, the commemoration of Labor Day in Indonesia has always been marked by labor demonstrations. However, May Day was not designated a national holiday until several years later.

Finally, May 1 was officially designated as a national holiday during the presidency of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). This happened after President SBY issued a Presidential Regulation in 2013 which stipulated May 1 as a national holiday, along with the celebration of international labor day.

Since then, Labor Day has been commemorated every year as a form of celebration of workers' contribution to nation building.

Labor Day is also an opportunity for workers to voice their aspirations. Usually, workers will take to the streets to fight for their rights, especially regarding wages. So, Labor Day is not only a national holiday, but a reminder of the hard work and workers' rights that are still being fought for.

Vacation on Labor Day 2023

In 2023, Labor Day falls on Monday, May 1st. This is an opportunity for you to travel to various interesting tourist destinations in Indonesia. Want the closest one to the capital city, such as Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, to those even further away like Bali or Labuan Bajo, it's also fun to visit!

Let's immediately order flight tickets, bus and travel tickets as well as train tickets easily and practically through Traveloka. The prices are friendly along with various promos!

If Labor Day this year, you choose to stay in town, don't worry. Staycations are also fun with booking hotels and inns on Traveloka. If you want to take a walk in the city, just open Traveloka and order a car rental. Really practical, right?

Come on, no need to hesitate anymore, immediately plan your 2023 Labor Day holiday with Traveloka!