Labor insurance

Labor insurance

From Kompas

As a member of the Astek/Jamsostek (labor insurance) program,
I would like a clear explanation of a number of things. According
to articles six and 25 of Law No. 3 of 1992, the objective of the
collection of labor insurance funds is to enhance the welfare of
Indonesian workers. If the Jamsostek funds are so huge, is it
still appropriate to pay only Rp 1.2 million in compensation for
cases of death?

Is it appropriate to limit the reimbursement of medical costs
of Astek/Jamsostek members to Rp 3 million in cases of
occupational accidents?

The two cases above should be given priority over business
investments which are enjoyed by people who are not entitled to
compensation. Those who have contributed to the funds will have
retired and died without the opportunity to enjoy the funds they
contributed to for their welfare.

What was the payment formula for the Rp 100 million given to
families of six people who died in the Garuda plane crash at
Sibolangit? Huge amounts are paid to Astek/Jamsostek retired
staff compared to those who are insured under the program. Does
the money not belong to the insurance participants?

I have read the opinions of experts on the Astek/Jamsostek
cases like the ones described above. They have proposed the
establishment of an investigation committee or the launching of a
state audit agency team. I think that such an investigation would
only incur additional costs to the state. It is already clear
that the money was used contrary to the law cited above.

Even if there was an approval by the House of Representatives
(DPR) to use the money, it is still inadequate.

Expenditures should also be agreed to by the All-Indonesia
Workers Union (SPSI) that represents Indonesian workers --
although I understand that the SPSI's loyalty is to the manpower
ministry rather than the workers represented. However, such a
procedure is more appropriate than only complying with the
requests of the minister or even the President.

I can't imagine why Astek/Jamsostek provided the Rp 3.1
billion to finance the discussions of the manpower bill while its
cost had been provided for by the government.

JOHNI HUTABALIAN

Jamsostek member 95JP0204623