Garuda workers banned from politics

Garuda workers banned from politics

JAKARTA: National flag carrier Garuda's board of directors has
issued a ruling that bans all employees from joining political
parties.

The new ruling, which was circulated on Wednesday, has raised
the eyebrows of many employees who are members of the state
company's labor union (Sekarga).

"This (ruling) is strange because it implies management
overreaction and impulsiveness," the union's secretary-general
Capt. Tarbiyanto told Antara.

The new policy was set out in an undated letter signed by
Garuda's general manager Abdulgani. In the past, it was mandatory
for state employees to be affiliated to the Golkar Party.

Tardiyanto speculated that the move was related to the
government's plan to appoint a new chief to replace Abdulgani,
who has tendered his resignation.

Samudera Sukardi, a brother of State Minister for State
Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, has been touted as being a strong
candidate.

Garuda spokesman Pujobroto said the new policy was aimed at
maintaining the employees' neutrality and improving their
professionalism. He said those who wanted to pursue political
careers could take a sabbatical. -- Antara