TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Acting governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono on Tuesday gave his approval for labor workers to hold a protest in response to the government’s 2023 minimum wage increase. He said that the minimum provincial wage (UMP) corresponds with the instructions of the Manpower Minister.

“The stipulation already aligns with the instructions of the Manpower Minister, which is Rp4.9 million,” said Heru Budi to reporters at the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) on November 29.

Asked about his response that labor union workers will strongly reject the minimum wage increase, the acting governor only said that anyone can hold protests. “Yes, that’s okay. That is their right.”

The minimum wage increase varies according to provinces such as Banten which sees a 6.4 percent increase, Yogyakarta 7.65 percent, East Java 7.85 percent, and Jakarta with a 5.6 percent rise.

Labor workers argue that the 5.6 percent increase to Rp4.9 million monthly wage will not suffice to meet the living standards in Jakarta.

"The 5.6 percent increase still remains below the inflation rate. Thus the Governor of DKI does not have a sense of empathy for workers," wrote Labor Party President Said Iqbal in a statement, Monday, November 28, 2022.

ANISA HAFIFAH

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