NGO condemns low minimum wage

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