AJI Palu urges media companies to improve journalists' welfare

Palu (ANTARA) - The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) in Palu is urging media companies to provide protection and improvements in the welfare of journalists in Central Sulawesi (Sulteng).

“The issue of fair wages remains a serious challenge amid demands for work professionalism,” said Coordinator of the Labour Division of AJI Palu, Elwin Kandabu, in Palu on Saturday.

Based on a survey by the Labour Division of AJI Palu, the welfare conditions of journalists remain concerning.

Out of 10 respondents consisting of journalists from electronic, print, and online media, eight stated that they still receive salaries below the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP), despite having worked for up to a dozen years.

He stated that these findings indicate a serious disparity between work experience and the level of welfare received by journalists.

AJI Palu assesses that this condition not only affects the welfare of journalists but also has the potential to influence the quality of journalistic work and media independence.

Journalists who do not receive fair wages, he said, risk facing economic pressures that can affect their integrity in carrying out their duties.

Therefore, AJI Palu urges media companies to meet fair wage standards in accordance with applicable provisions, provide social security and work protection for journalists, and develop a fair wage system based on experience and workload.

“AJI Palu also encourages the local government to strengthen oversight of the implementation of labour regulations in the media sector, to ensure that journalists’ rights are fulfilled,” he said.