Party workers not in it for idealism

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.