By: Ahmad Zarkasih )*
Ahead of the commemoration of Youth Oath Day on October 28, 2019, the labor element planned to hold a demonstration. In fact, the momentum should be filled with a reflection of the spirit of unity as exemplified by previous generations. Labor demonstrations involving large masses have the potential to turn into anarchists and actually harm the wider community.
The demonstration was endless. If one business is finished, another will come. In fact, it may not have been finished yet the other business has already been waiting in line for other problems. It seems that this kind of action is often used as a “weapon” to pressure the government. However, the implementation would actually be a disadvantage to the perpetrators of the demo.
Those who work as holidays do not produce rupiah to take part in demonstrations, students miss lessons due to taking part in demonstrations, even with other masses. Which departs from different backgrounds and occupations. In addition, the demonstration was considered quite disturbing order and the ongoing social life. So, it is better to convey a voice or opinion channeled through the available container. Because, this will be more effective and not interfere with common interests.
As reported, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police will deploy 6,000 joint personnel to secure demonstrations by tens of thousands of workers. Which demands a revision of Law Number 13 Year 2003 concerning Manpower. In addition to deploying its personnel, the security forces also provide traffic engineering. However, it still depends on the situation and conditions on the field later.
According to the report, these workers demanded three revision points. Namely, the first is to expressly reject the revision of Law 13 of 2003 because, there are indications that it would reduce the labor rights that are currently being obtained. Two other demands are regarding the collection of President Joko Widodo’s promise to revise PP No. 78 of 2015 and reject the increase in BPJS Health fees. That said, this action will include the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers ‘Union, Indonesian Workers’ Union, Indonesian Workers ‘Association, Pharmacy and Health Workers’ Union, National Workers ‘Union and also the Federation of Oil and Mining Energy Workers’ Union. And there are many more parties involved in it. Which, the initial estimate of the mass was estimated at 150 thousand people from 10 provinces.
If judging based on the calculation of salaries according to Government Regulation 78/2015 which includes aspects of productivity and economic growth sectors that have been in effect since 2015, it is likely to experience changes. For entrepreneurs, this change will be a source of disaster, because there will be no certainty. Thus, this increase should be able to be predicted in a balanced way with the value of productivity. Which is in line with the UMP philosophy in the form of safety net and is valid for a period of work of up to one year.
The same thing was expressed by Antonius Supit, as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Relations. He explained that the revision of PP 78/2015 could later influence the UMP map itself. He also explained that the stipulation of wages on the basis of this PP has produced certainty to employers. However, it is still not detrimental in terms of the workers, who receive a minimum wage above inflation. However, in reality the workers voiced their objections. They acknowledged that workers were not included in the Tripartite negotiations. Which should involve three elements namely, entrepreneurs, laborers and also the government.
On the other hand, as Chairman of the Vice President’s Expert Team, Sofyan Wanandi called for a strong statement against the demonstration which was carried out more than once by the workers. This action is considered to have exceeded the limit, bearing in mind that all problems can be solved not only through demonstrations. So he appealed to the workers not to directly hold the action. Therefore, the wage council is ready to accommodate all complaints. Moreover, UPM is currently considered to be in accordance with the rules of decent living standards.
With regard to this demo, it will certainly harm many parties, including the laborers themselves. Demonstrations will usually prevent foreign investors from entering the country. Because their work is also more or less influenced by these investors.
It’s good everything has to be carefully thought out. Don’t just go along without knowing the substance of the issue. Stop demo action now! Considering, there will be a follow-up demonstration on 28 October 2019, let’s anticipate early, if this kind of action will have a detrimental impact on the perpetrators of the action.
)* The author is a social political observer