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