Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto on Monday awarded the title of National Hero to Marsinah, marking the first time in Indonesian history that a labor activist has received the honor. The conferment took place at the State Palace during the commemoration of National Heroes Day, alongside nine other recipients.

More than three decades after her murder shocked the nation, Indonesia has officially named Marsinah, a factory worker and labor activist, as a National Hero,  the country’s first from the labor movement. The recognition highlights a long-overdue acknowledgment of her fight for workers’ rights under the authoritarian New Order regime.

The recognition was formalized through Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025, which cites Marsinah’s contribution to social and humanitarian struggles. Born in Nglundo, Nganjuk, East Java, Marsinah became a symbol of workers’ rights after her activism and subsequent death in 1993 exposed abuses against laborers during the New Order era.

“Marsinah represents courage, morality, and the spirit of human rights among ordinary people,” President Prabowo said during the ceremony.

Symbol of Workers’ Struggle

Marsinah began her career in the industrial sector in 1989 at the Bata shoe factory in Surabaya, later moving to Catur Putra Surya in Sidoarjo. Known for her outspoken advocacy, she fought for fair wages, insurance, maternity leave, and protection from intimidation, demands that challenged the political climate of her time.

Her 12-point list of demands, submitted during a workers’ strike in May 1993, called for wage increases to Rp 2,250 per day in line with ministerial decrees, along with guarantees of health coverage, proper overtime pay, and the prohibition of arbitrary dismissal.

She disappeared on May 5, 1993, after visiting the local military office to inquire about the fate of her colleagues who had been summoned by the military. Her body was found on May 8–9 in a gruesome condition, showing signs of torture and sexual violence.

Nine individuals from Catur Putera Surya were charged as perpetrators, but the Supreme Court acquitted them on May 3, 1995, as it was not proven that they had planned the murder. The legal process was widely seen as a way to obscure the military’s responsibility, and the intellectual mastermind behind the brutal killing was never brought to justice. 

Labor Groups Welcome Recognition

The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) and the All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI) welcomed the government’s move, describing it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the labor movement’s sacrifices.

“This is a historic moment. Marsinah is the first worker to become a national hero, a symbol of social justice for Indonesian laborers,” said KSPI President Said Iqbal in Cikarang. He added that the recognition should serve as a momentum to strengthen workers’ rights rather than remain ceremonial.

KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea echoed the sentiment, calling the decision “a tribute to all workers who continue to fight for dignity and fairness.” He confirmed that Marsinah had been a member of KSPSI at the time of her death.

Said Iqbal revealed that Marsinah’s nomination was proposed to President Prabowo on Labor Day, May 1, 2025, and processed swiftly. The proposal was supported by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), and Nganjuk Regent Marhaen Djumadi.

Family’s Hope for Policy Change

Marsinah’s sister, Marsini, expressed gratitude to President Prabowo and all who had fought for her late sister’s recognition. “I thank the President deeply for this honor. Marsinah worked hard despite her struggles, now she’s remembered by all Indonesians,” she said after the ceremony.

She also used the occasion to urge the government to abolish the outsourcing system, which she said undermines workers’ stability and welfare. “Contracts that last only three months make family life unstable. I hope the President will end outsourcing and ensure fair minimum wages,” she said, her voice trembling.

Marsini concluded by urging workers to carry on her sister’s legacy. “Marsinah sacrificed everything for justice. I hope her spirit continues to live among Indonesia’s workers.”

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