"Look For A Solution, Sir, Don't Let It Lead To A Crime," Deputy Minister Of Manpower Noel Reprimanded The Owner Of PT BSI Who Arrears In Salaries Of 750 Workers

PADANG PARIAMAN Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan called directly the owner of PT Bumi Sarimas Indonesia (BSI), an oil palm company in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, to question the salary arrears of 750 workers over the past four months.

"Look sir, I and the Deputy Governor of West Sumatra want to ask for certainty of workers' rights," said Wamenaker, who is familiarly called Noel, in a telephone call made in front of the workers, Antara, Thursday, August 7.

In the conversation, Noel reminded PT BSI management not to violate the labor laws and regulations. He emphasized the importance of solving protracted problems and having an impact on the lives of hundreds of workers.

"The company must immediately find a solution. Do not let this lead to a crime. I hope that you as the owner can cooperate," he said.

Noel even stated his readiness to take legal action if the company continued to ignore workers' rights.

The same thing was conveyed by the Deputy Governor of West Sumatra, Vasko Ruseimy, who was also present in the dialogue. He emphasized that this issue is a serious concern for the provincial and central governments.

"This has become a serious problem. I ask for help, sir, to be followed up immediately so that it does not drag on," said Vasko.

Hundreds of PT BSI employees had previously rallied to demand salary payments that were in arrears. The action is a continuation of the demonstrations that have been carried out many times, including complaining to the Manpower Office and the West Sumatra DPRD, but have not yielded results.