DPD RI: Three Main Labour Issues Must Become Government Priorities

The real conditions of workers today are still far from expectations, especially regarding wages, which are considered not fully meeting living needs. Manokwari (ANTARA) - Chairman of Committee III of the DPD RI, Filep Wamafma, emphasised that three main labour issues—welfare, workforce protection, and social security—must become priorities for both central and regional governments. These three issues are interconnected and require integrated policy interventions from the government and companies to address fundamental problems related to workforce welfare. “Labour Day commemorations serve as a reminder to the government that many issues still need serious attention,” said Filep when contacted from Manokwari, West Papua, on Friday. According to him, the real conditions of workers today are still far from expectations, particularly regarding wages, which are deemed not fully addressing living needs amid increasing economic burdens on society. “President Prabowo’s statement is a positive signal of the government’s commitment to delivering policies that favour workers,” he stated. Filep hopes that this commitment will soon be followed up by technical ministries, especially the Ministry of Manpower, through strategic and innovative steps to address workers’ aspirations. Cross-ministerial/institutional collaboration, such as between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, is also important to optimise social protection for workers’ families. “There must be clear planning, both in terms of regulatory policies and concrete technical steps to ensure workers’ welfare,” stressed the senator from West Papua. His side will ensure that workers’ aspirations do not end as mere ceremonial Labour Day commemorations but are truly realised in policies that favour the workforce in Indonesia. “If workers are prosperous, productivity will increase and will directly impact economic growth and national progress,” he said.