Workers' protests

From Suara Karya

Workers' contribution goes in step with the country's industrial growth. We observe that their potential is not only used in the quest for welfare improvement, it is often exploited by third parties for their own interests.

Poor workers, they indeed have a potential on the political stage. Before the recent July 27 incident, the mass media incessantly reported workers' grievances. Workers' protests were held for various reasons including personnel's rights abuse, bonus, food allowance and others.

Meanwhile, third parties exploited workers for often remote causes like changing political laws, general election rulings and the dual-function concept of the Armed Forces.

After the July 27 incident, no more workers' protests at the Manpower Ministry or at the House of Representatives. The instigators behind the protests have realized their mistakes and come to their senses. The same applies to the workers. They realize that they have been used as a "tool in the game of politics."

Company managements should take the following steps in the future to safeguard their companies:

a. Manpower Ministry's rules should be observed;

b. Establish and develop internal and external communications;

c. Provide an opportunity to workers to join the government- recognized All Indonesian Workers Organization (SPSI);

d. Examine the working conditions of personnel and bring about a pleasant and secure work environment.

As for office and industrial workers, they should keep a distance from third parties and gossipmongers, who only have their own interests at heart. Grievances can be settled by consensus or through the Manpower Ministry.

Fuadi

Depok West Java