Workers demand higher wage

Around 500 workers from the Indonesian Federation Union for Workers of Metal Companies (FSPMI) staged a rally in front of City Council building on Jl. Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta, demanding an increase of the regional minimum wage.

The protesters, mostly from Greater Jakarta, Karawang and Cilegon, demanded a higher wage of Rp 1.25 million (US$137.21) per month from the current Rp 671,550. They also demanded higher wages for workers from other industries to Rp 1,113,354.

They argued that as metal industry workers, they faced higher risks in their jobs.

The demand was made based on their survey at 14 traditional markets in the city where they collected prices for 43 basic commodities.

"The minimum cost of living in the city is presently Rp 968,134 per month, while the minimum wage is ideally supposed to be 15 percent higher. That would mean Rp 1,113,354," the union said in a statement.

According to the workers, the existing provincial minimum wage was only enough to cover their transportation costs, rent, electric bills and meals.

"Only Rp 70,000 per month is left in the pocket. That's why we demand an increase in the wages," the union said.

The protesters also performed a dangdut dance session under the midday drizzle while waiting for their representatives to come and ask for a meeting with city councillors.

The peaceful rally also caused severe traffic jams around the vicinity as they occupied most of the road.

Earlier, the protesters had staged a rally at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle. -- JP