'It's better to take what you're given'
Despite the fact that the tripartite agreement on the 7 percent provincial minimum wage increase will be implemented in January 2003, many low-income workers are skeptical about the amount of the hike. Their monthly income remains far too small to keep up with inflation. Some of them share their views with The Jakarta Post.
Suryani is a saleswoman of a fermented milk product. She resides in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, with her husband and two children:
The minimum wage increase won't make any difference to me. I work based on commission. The harder I work, the more income I get.
However, I'm quite lazy compared to my fellow saleswomen. I earn less than Rp 250,000 a month.
Of course, it's nothing in terms of financial support for my family. It's not enough to get by.
My husband works as a public minivan driver who earns only between Rp 15,000 to Rp 40,000 a day. But he does not work regularly. We pay Rp 100,000 per month rent for our house.
Luckily, my younger brother and sister support my two children and pay for their education because they are much more prosperous.
I don't earn the regional minimum wage. I spend all of my earnings. The cost of living in the city is unbearable on a meager income.
Ahmad, not his real name, 23, is a gardener at a noted hotel in Central Jakarta. He lives in Karet Tengsin, Central Jakarta, with friends:
Will my wage really increase? I haven't heard about the latest issue.
Besides, I'm paid weekly, not monthly, and earn less than Rp 500,000 per month. I heard that the minimum wage is Rp 590,000, is that right? Well, I don't know whether or not my wage will increase.
But why should I complain? Despite the little amount, I feel thankful to have a job in Jakarta so that I can survive in the city.
I sometimes save Rp 10,000 to Rp 20,000 a month, but even that is rare. I have to pay Rp 50,000 for the house and I spend the rest on meals and cigarettes.
I would be happy if I could get a side job for extra income, but one is hard to come by.
My dream for the end of the year is a simple one: I want to visit my parents. I expect an Idul Fitri bonus, which usually reaches Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000. To rely on my savings is impossible because I have none left.
Pia, 22, is a sales promotion woman at Ramayana department store in Palmerah, West Jakarta. She lives in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, with her parents:
The wage hike is no surprise to me, but I'm sure all prices will unavoidably increase due to the increase. It's crazy.
Worse still, 7 percent will not cover living costs.
I'm paid the regional minimum wage, or Rp 580,000 and don't get paid overtime.
I spend around Rp 15,000 a day on transportation and meals. I give around Rp 90,000 to my parents every month. Sometimes I can save Rp 50,000 a month.
I have to resist my desire for shopping. You know women are usually extravagant, but I have managed to be wiser in my spending habits.
I don't know what the ideal regional minimum wage should be since the wage hike cannot cover the increased prices of all basic needs.
Soni, 22, is a security officer who has been deployed to help safeguard a hotel in the city. He lives in Tangerang:
A 7 percent wage increase is hardly enough to cover daily needs.
But it really depends on how we manage our finances. Frankly, my salary is equal to the minimum wage every month, but I can survive.
I know it's not easy managing on that small amount to cover all needs, but I try very hard.
If workers were paid a minimum wage of Rp 700,000 or Rp 800,000 per month, they might be able to live a decent life.
Anyway, what we can do to protest the wage policy? It's better that we just take what we're given.
-- Leo Wahyudi S