Surabaya DPRD encourages dialogue between employers and labour department on holiday allowance payments

Surabaya – Arif Fathoni, Vice Chair of the Surabaya Regional Parliament (DPRD) in East Java, has urged two-way communication between business owners and the Surabaya City Labour Department (Disnaker) regarding the payment of Holiday Allowances (THR) to workers ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/2026.

“Amid uncertain global economic conditions, companies must still fulfil their obligation to provide THR,” Fathoni said in Surabaya on Wednesday.

Beyond being a legal requirement, Fathoni stated that THR also represents employer appreciation for workers who have contributed to building and sustaining the business.

“Regardless, THR is not merely a legal obligation, but also a form of appreciation for employees who have worked alongside us to grow the company,” said Fathoni.

With timely THR payments, workers can prepare for Eid celebrations and undertake the traditional homecoming journey with greater peace of mind.

“When THR is paid on time, workers can return home with joy. On the other hand, this will also stimulate economic circulation in the real sector,” he said.

Fathoni also called on Surabaya’s Labour Department to promptly establish a THR complaints desk, as it routinely does each year.

However, he emphasised that the desk should function not only as a reporting centre, but also as a dialogue space between workers, employers, and government.

“If workers experiencing difficulties in receiving THR can report quickly, the Labour Department can call employers for clarification to find a middle ground that protects the interests of both workers and employers,” he said.

Fathoni considers a communication-based approach important to prevent THR issues from escalating into conflict, particularly given the challenging economic conditions resulting from global geopolitical dynamics.

“We understand that economic conditions are indeed challenging, but I am confident that business owners in Surabaya will continue to view THR as a form of appreciation for the loyalty and dedication of their employees,” Fathoni said.