Striking drivers give Pakpahan hero's welcome

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of striking bus drivers of the state- run PPD bus company gave a rousing welcome yesterday to released labor union chairman Muchtar Pakpahan as he paid them an impromptu visit.

Drivers said it was the first time the leader of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), released from prison on May 25, was in their midst. Many claimed membership in his union.

Muchtar, who arrived at noon with his secretary-general Sunarti in a hastily arranged addition to his hectic schedule, was greeted with cries of "Long live Pakpahan!". Drivers had gathered since morning at PPD headquarters on Jl. Permata, Halim Perdanakusuma in East Jakarta.

Muchtar disappeared in the throng of drivers trying to get close to him. They eventually quieted down as he addressed them.

Drivers are striking over a demand that wages be in line with regulations of state-run companies.

"Some of us who have worked for more than 10 years and still receive a monthly wage of about Rp 150,000," one driver said.

"A colleague received Rp 25,000 in retirement money after 25 years of service," another added.

Banners proclaimed their demands for a stop to corruption in the company and investigation of their pension and health insurance schemes.

"Tomorrow we will bring our wives and children if necessary," a driver said. They planned to spend the night at the facility unless Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris gave them a satisfactory answer.

Muchtar met with PPD director Dwi Wahyono and employee representatives, including the company's SBSI branch chairman Godfried Aritonang.

Wahyono, who became director in 1996, said he was "honored" to meet Muchtar.

He said the management was trying to eradicate various causes of chronic losses.

As a result of the measures, he said losses were reduced from Rp 29.7 billion in 1996 to Rp 18 billion in 1997. One resort was through ending nonprofitable partnerships.

A management source said one of the terminated partnerships was with Humpuss, the business group owned by Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, former president Soeharto's youngest son. The cooperation involved the renovation of double-deckers.

"I know that your losses are also influenced by outside parties," Muchtar said.

He cited a concept drawn up by SBSI three years ago, that monthly wages could be at least Rp 600,000 for drivers while the company could still profit. "That was when the rupiah was around 2,500 to the (U.S.) dollar," he said.

He told drivers that the union could work with management to stop corruption and inefficiency, but drivers should do their part to save the company and make it profitable.

"I support your wish if you want to stay here," Muchtar said after drivers rejected his suggestion to go home and leave matters to their representatives.

"As long as you promise to safeguard against any destruction and maintain your health."

He also told drivers and management that SBSI was no longer banned. "There is no reason anymore on the part of the company to reject SBSI unions."

On Monday, SBSI, set up in 1992, was officially registered as a union. Previously, the only government-sanctioned union was the Federasi SPSI, the All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation.

"Hardly any of us are (FSPSI) members," a driver said. (anr)