Workers demand higher wage hike

JAKARTA: Hundreds of workers took part in a rally in front of City Hall on Tuesday, demanding the administration to increase the monthly minimum wage to Rp 759,953 (US$81.72) for 2005.

"The already approved Rp 711,983 wage is insufficient to meet our needs," shouted the protesters.

The figure Rp 759,953 is the official minimum cost of living allowance (KHM), according to the calculations done recently by the manpower ministry.

The laborers also protested at the House of Representatives and the State Palace. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would hold another rally on Dec. 28.

The 2004 minimum wage was set at Rp 671,550 after a 6.3 percent increase from Rp 631,000 in 2003. -- JP