Party workers not in it for idealism

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

During this legislative election campaign, most of the leaders of the 24 political parties are trying to promote their strong commitment in defending the rights of workers and speak out against employers who treat employees poorly.

But can they back up their words with deeds? Visits by The Jakarta Post's reporters to the political parties' offices showed that many of their staff members are actually paid below Jakarta's Rp 671,550 (US$80) minimum wage.

Many of those working at the political party offices were also reluctant to reveal how much they made. Some were volunteers, but others revealed that they received only a meager salary.

Some also said that they had no written work contract with their respective political parties.

None of them, however, felt that they were being exploited by politicians, who often raised people's welfare as a central issue of their campaign themes. Most of them have the same dream as their bosses: They hope to be appointed to government posts if their leader gets elected.

Jarman, a security guard at the headquarters for the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB), said that the party paid him Rp 500,000 a month, excluding lunch. The party's presidential hopeful, Siti Hardijanti "Tutut" Rukmana, is rumored to be former president Soeharto's most generous sibling.

Meanwhile, several employees at the Reform Star Party (PBR), who are university graduates, said that their salary was equal to the Jakarta minimum wage. And security task force (Satgas) members at the party's office said they received around Rp 400,000 per month.

They are all strong supporters of the popular Muslim preacher Zainuddin MZ, who heads the PBR.

"I know I work for a non-profit oriented institution. Therefore, I do not demand a high salary now. But I hope that our salary will be better in line with the party's progress," said Ima, one of the PBR employees.

Faisal, who works for the Pancasila Patriots' Party (Partai Pelopor Pancasila), said he did not receive a salary.

"I don't think about a salary while doing administrative tasks here because we leave all of the matters to our leadership," Faisal told The Jakarta Post at the Party's branch office in South Jakarta.

Another woman at a Crescent Star Party (PBB) office also refused to mention the exact amount of her salary, but she said it was more than enough for her daily transportation fees and meal expenses.

She emphasized that she was not in it for the money, but that it was part of her religious obligation. The PBB is as staunchly conservative Muslim-based party.

Meanwhile, the New Indonesia Alliance Party (PPIB) admitted that money has never been its biggest strength.

One PPIB executive Ratna Indraningsih said the party could not pay high salaries to its staffers.

"It's tough already for new parties such as ours to compete with established parties, and it's even tougher to do that without real strong financial backing," she said.