Governor Ridwan Kamil Didn't Raise West Java UMP, This Is The Reason

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil (DOK. Public Relations of West Java Provincial Government via ANTARA)

BANDUNG - West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil decided not to increase the West Java provincial minimum wage (UMP). What is the reason?

Ridwan Kamil, who is familiarly called Kang Emil, claimed that the reason for the decision not to raise the UMP was to prevent more layoffs (PHK).

"So 60 percent of the manufacturing industry in Indonesia is in West Java. On the other hand, it is the sector that is the most affected by its business performance due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Kang Emil, Monday, November 2.

Emil said there were around 2 thousand industrial manufacturing companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Now that's in West Java, about 500 companies including layoffs. West Java is the largest manufacturing sector in Indonesia, this sector is also the service (sector) which is most affected," he said.

Apart from that reason, according to him there are many other considerations not to raise the UMP in 2021. One of them is because of a circular from the Ministry of Manpower.

"We are following a circular from the Ministry of Manpower. Do not compare it to other provinces with few industries. So if the wages (UMP) are raised, we are worried that there will be more layoffs, which will be harmed by workers again," he explained.

Kang Emil asked for understanding and understanding from the community, especially the workers.

"This decision is admittedly unable to satisfy all parties. Currently, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) and the Manpower Office are asked to socialize this reason so that it can arrive properly," he explained.

In making policies including the West Java UMP, Kang Emil emphasized that clarity in thinking is needed about no decision that satisfies all parties.

"There is not the slightest intention of the government to torment its people. It is solely to prevent fading because the number of laid-off companies has reached more than 500 companies," he said.

"This is an uncomfortable option, but we have to do it so that this machine can move. If there is excess in the field, the Regional Police Chief already has the experience to anticipate it," said Kang Emil.

On the other hand, economic growth in West Java, according to him, has improved in terms of export performance, purchasing power and credit.

"The most significant is the increase in the transportation and communication sector by 47 percent," he concluded.