Banten workers demand more money

TANGERANG: Thousands of workers held a rally at the Banten gubernatorial office in Serang on Friday, arguing that the Rp 693,500 (about US$77) monthly minimum wage set for 2005 was below the minimum cost of living.

"We demand that the governor put the minimum wage up to Rp 777,500 for workers in Cilegon, Rp 735,873 for Tangerang and Rp 722,200 for Serang regency," said Andi Romly of the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Associations (FSPMI).

Another worker, Sugiri, said if the companies paid the workers better, they would develop robustly, but the reverse would be true if they workers were not paid enough.

"We will return for a demonstration with more workers if the Governor approves the lower wage for 2005 as proposed by mayors and regents," Sugiri added. -- JP