By: Rahmat Siregar) *
The workers’ element plans to hold a demonstration at the Youth Oath Commemoration, 28 October 2019. The action is considered to tarnish the Youth Oath as the momentum must be a reflection to strengthen national unity and not be filled with activities that can disrupt Kamtibmas. Ahead of the Youth Pledge Day, news of a planned labor demonstration would take place on a large scale. This historic momentum was apparently deliberately coupled with the implementation of the demonstration. According to growing information, the masses deliberately used this important event to voice rejection of oppression.
Culture mengontfontir a number of parties to call for the voice of the people seems not a good thing. Remember, this demo will not occur if there is no coordinating. Because, many appeals that state that this action should not be done. Given, more or less will increase the concentration of large masses prone to infiltrated stowaways.
Meanwhile, the Government has held coordination in anticipation of the workers’ plan to hold a massive demonstration on the 28th of October. This security movement was deliberately carried out in a number of locations that became a demonstration point and also public places.
The government explained that what had to be anticipated was to spread the demonstration to other places so that it would disrupt traffic. Because, that’s where people do their survival in addition to at home. Some work, earn a living, go to school and others.
In this regard, the government is deemed necessary to review Government Regulation (PP) number 78 of 2015 which regulates employment and the minimum wage. On the basis of this PP, the minimum wage is calculated by the formula of the current minimum wage from the product of multiplication which consists of the current minimum wage with the addition of inflation and economic development. That way, the shift that occurs over the UMP can be progressive or increase rapidly. However, the calculation of wages will be better if it is done with reference to the Need for Decent Living or commonly called KHL. This KHL is a standard for the needs of a single status worker to be able to live physically fit within a span of one month. That said, the amount of substance calculated in this KHL experienced differences between trade unions and the government.
It is better for the Government and trade unions to have a dialogue together and think of a minimum wage scheme that will accommodate laborers’ interests. However, it is important to note also the impact of minimum wage increases on business operators, especially in the current global economic uncertainty. On the other hand the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) has determined the increase in the UMP along with the Regency or City Minimum Wage in 2020 by 8.51 percent. While the 2020 UMP will be determined and announced by the governors of each region on November 1, 2019. And for the UMK itself, it will be announced no later than November 21, 2019.
According to other literature, this minimum wage is considered to have met the eligibility standards. However, the problem turned out to be the exclusion of workers from tripartite meetings. Which is done by the government, business actors and also labor elements. Furthermore, the workers also launched a number of demands which included; the repeal of the KPK Bill, the SDA Law, the rejection of the Land Bill, and the Criminal Code Bill, do not forget the planned revision of the Manpower Act.
On the other hand, this demonstration was considered excessive. In addition to causing noise, it will also cause harm to perpetrators of the action. So this activity needs to be thought through carefully and calmly. Do not because of the provocation, it will even hurt yourself later. Instead of getting a solution, life has become even more neutered. It is not easy indeed to understand economic growth that makes all prices and needs increase. However, isn’t there always a way to solve it. Moreover, the state cannot treat its citizens unfairly. The government has also provided a forum to accommodate all complaints regarding this matter. Because, as has already been the demonstration could not have caused adverse effects. So that the anticipation and appeal regarding this matter continue to be encouraged. Let’s think and behave wisely. Remembering everything we do will return to ourselves. Let’s reject the workers’ demonstration which will pollute the essence of the Youth Pledge Historic Day.
) * The author is a social political observer
