No suits please, we're all workers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea has ordered his staffers to stop wearing suits and a ties when reporting to work, even if they have formal functions to attend.

Beginning in January, all staff, including himself, at the ministry must work in their light brown civil servant uniforms, whether for routine daily activities or for special events, Jacob said as reported by Antara.

Jacob said the decision followed a recommendation by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla that staffers in all ministries under his charge should not wear suits as an expression of concern and solidarity to the people in Indonesia.

In addition to the minister, some of the higher echelon officials often turn up for work wearing a tie and a suit.

Other officials under Jusuf have yet to heed the recommendation. The other ministries include the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Social Services.

Jacob, a union activist, often looked uncomfortable in a suit, which became his standard attire after being appointed to the Cabinet by President Megawati Soekarnoputri in August.