Labor Union Asks Governors To Be Wise In Words And Actions, Not Even Insults

President of KSPI, Said Iqbal. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The unions that are members of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPI) have asked the governors to be wise in their words and actions in responding to the aspirations of the workers through constructive dialogue, not insulting the workers.

"Thus, spontaneous actions that provoke the anger of the workers can be avoided, including the words and actions of the Governor of Banten," said KSPI President Said Iqbal, in Jakarta, Friday, December 24.

According to Iqbal, the struggle through lobbying and massive peaceful and constitutional actions will continue until governors throughout Indonesia revise the increase in the district/city minimum wage (UMK) in their respective provinces, as recommended by regents or mayors.

As an example, Said Iqbal, the Regent of Karawang has recommended an increase in the UMK by 6.7 percent, the Regent and Mayor of Bekasi to increase the UMK by 5.7 percent, and the Mayor of Tangerang to increase the UMK by more than 6 percent.

With regard to demonstrations, said Iqbal, workers must avoid violence, vandalism, and must not blaspheme anyone. Actions must be carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner so that the message of the struggle to increase the UMK can be conveyed.

In addition, Iqbal said KSPI and Indonesian workers asked governors throughout Indonesia to revise the increase in the UMK value according to the recommendation of the regent or mayor, taking into account the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) and a sense of justice and welfare.

"Just as Governor Anies did in his consideration of the 2022 DKI UMP revision," he said.

Said Iqbal gave an example, in Vietnam, wages rose 7.1 percent, Thailand 3.29 percent, Turkey 50 percent, Germany 21 percent. However, Indonesia, as the head of the G20 rich countries, only increased the previous DKI UMP by only 0.8 percent or the price of half paying for public toilets per day.

"So when Governor Anies raises the DKI UMP by 5.1 percent, it is very rational. Because this is in accordance with the Constitutional Court's decision. In other words, Governor Anies is subject to applicable laws, according to the results of calculations," he said.

Moreover, continued Iqbal, the attitude of the Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, stated that every 5 percent increase in the UMP or UMK nationally would increase the growth in consumption purchasing power of IDR 180 trillion, which in the end would benefit entrepreneurs as well. And a decent increase in the UMP or UMK will provide a sense of justice.