NGO condemns low minimum wage

Sat, 10 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

CIREBON, West Java: An NGO activist lashed out on Friday at new
minimum wage set up by the local administration, saying that it
was well below workers' expectations.

"The government is ignoring the rights of workers to enjoy
decent lives," said Yoyon Suharyono, an activist with the Worker
and Environment Foundation (YBLH).

The government has set a new minimum wage for workers in
Cirebon municipality of Rp 540,500, representing a Rp 65,500
increase over the previous minimum wage. The new minimum wage
will take effect on Jan. 1. But, based on a recent survey
conducted by the foundation, a reasonable minimum wage in Cirebon
would be Rp 640,000 a month, said Yoyon.

A wide range of industries are located in Cirebon, a coastal
city in West Java. Most workers are employed by the rattan
industry. -- JP

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