Better labor legislation

A few days ago, the government, represented by the Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, submitted a draft labor law in a plenary session of the House of Representatives. The event should be noted as several new directives of fundamental significance are contained in the document.

We must also note that parts of the draft have been criticized by certain parties -- including the All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) and the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) -- for being against workers' interests.

Critics have proposed changing some articles considered to provide inadequate protection for workers and apply to such concerns as the right to go on strike, the freedom of association and the ease with which employers are allowed to shut down their businesses.

One of the better provisions contained in the draft concerns the establishment of a mechanism for arbitrage, mediation and trial to resolve labor disputes. This is an important step forward which is expected to dispense better guarantee justice in cases of conflict between workers and employers.

But we fully realize that it is not easy to draft a law that will protect workers and respect the interests of their employers at the same time. Nevertheless, better worker legislation is urgently needed considering the rapid pace of industrialization in this country.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta