Workers and development

Workers and development

Last week's report that the Central Java chapter of the
business association Apindo was lobbying the All Indonesia
Workers Union Federation to delay implementation of the 30-day
pay plan is an indication of the thinking of the textile
manufacturers in Central Java, particularly Solo.

Apindo coordinator for Surakarta (Solo), Sri Harto
Hardjomiguno, confirmed that Apindo was trying to suspend the
implementation of Government Regulation No.02/1996, particularly
where it refers to the 30-day pay plan.

In our Pancasila environment workers cannot be considered
humble servants. While even in colonial times this kind of
thinking was much criticized, could it be possible that now, 50
years after Indonesia became independent, we are to witness a
revival of this kind of reasoning?

If this kind of feudalistic reasoning is maintained, the
logical consequences will not be difficult to anticipate. First,
sustained development will not be possible. Second, the principle
of development with justice will remain speculative. The
possibility is even great that we will see labor-related
disturbances which could lead to social unrest. If that were to
happen our development efforts, which we have been undertaking at
considerable cost and for which we have made so many sacrifices,
would be for nothing.

-- Merdeka, Jakarta