Workers' protests

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