DPR Ready To Accommodate Labor Dissatisfaction Regarding UMP-UMK Increase Rate

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JAKARTA - Commission IX of the DPR RI admits that it is ready to oversee workers' dissatisfaction regarding the determination of the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) in a number of regions, which is deemed incomparable to current inflation. The workers feel that the increase in the UMP is still far from the demands that require a minimum of 7 percent.

"I respect if anyone does not accept or is not happy with this decision. We accept that it will be brought to the realm of law, because our country is a democratic country," said Member of Commission IX DPR RI, Rahmad Handoyo, Tuesday, November 21.

34 provinces have set the provincial minimum wage (UMP) 2024. The average national increase is 2-4 percent. The largest increase in the UMP occurred in North Maluku, namely Rp. 221,000 and the lowest in Gorontalo, which was Rp. 36,000.

This increase was opposed by the workers because it was considered incomparable to the price increase in a number of basic commodities, such as rice prices, which rose 40 percent, eggs rose 30 percent, transportation rose 30 percent and house rental rose 50 percent.

In DKI Jakarta, the determination of the 2024 UMP wage increase was greeted by chaos. Workers do not agree with the number of UMP increases in the capital, which is only 3.38 percent or around Rp. 165,000.

Rahmad said the DPR through Commission IX of the DPR was ready to distribute the aspirations of workers to the Government.

"We in the DPR will oversee the dissatisfaction of workers regarding the determination of the UMP. And we hope that fellow workers who are dissatisfied distribute their aspirations in accordance with constitutional rules and do not need to go on a mass strike because it will harm the community," he explained.

On the other hand, Rahmad assessed that every decision made by the central and regional governments must be respected. However, he stressed that if the people are dissatisfied with the results of the verdict, they can file a lawsuit in court.

"We will uphold the legal forecast if this dissatisfaction will be brought to the Supreme Court and will become a legal process provided by our constitution. Please take the parties who are not satisfied to be brought to the realm of law," said Rahmad.

Rahmad believes that what is really the need and must be related to the UMP, will be able to find a common ground. Because it is considered to be the beginning of improving the national economy.

"Like it or not, this is a decision that we need to respect together, it is definitely not pleasing to all parties. But for the sake of the future of national development, I hope we can accept it coolly," he explained.

On the other hand, the House of Representatives commission in charge of employment affairs encourages the Government to increase transparency in terms of setting wages. Rahmad said transparency can answer people's doubts regarding the determination of the UMP and the district/city minimum wage (UMK).

"A better understanding from the community will help reduce dissatisfaction, especially from workers who feel that wage increases are not comparable to the surge in basic food prices, especially food," he said.

According to him, the transparency referred to is related to the formula used in determining the increase in wages. In addition, periodic evaluation of the formula for increasing the UMP/UMK is also deemed necessary to ensure justice for workers.

"The government must periodically evaluate the formula for increasing wages," said Rahmad.

"Reconsideration of factors such as the alpha index needs to be done to ensure wage policies are not only considering economic growth, but also the needs of workers' lives," added the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district.