TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Labor Party and trade union organizations staging a protest today near Arjuna Wiwaha Horse Statue, Central Jakarta, demanded President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah increase the minimum wage by 15 percent in 2024.

Said Iqbal, the President of the Labor Party cum chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), elaborated on the reasons for the demand. First, 25 percent of labor wages have been cut through Manpower Minister’s Regulation (Permenaker) No. 5 of 2023, so it must now rebound given the improving economy.

“We thank Pak Jokowi and his staff for making good Indonesia's economic growth, but labor wages must be raised,” Said Iqbal said during the rally on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Secondly, Indonesia is now listed as a middle-income country with a gross national income (GNI) per capita above US$4,500 per year or Rp67.5 million with an assumed exchange rate of Rp15.000 per US dollar). If it’s divided into 12 months, it will be Rp5.6 million per month.

“The minimum wage must be Rp5.6 million. It’s a middle-income country, isn’t it,” he argued.

Said Iqbal said entrepreneurs take benefit from the country’s middle-income status, unlike workers, farmers, fishermen, and contract teachers.

Thirdly, to lessen disparities between high-income people and low-income people. Fourthly, the surge in the decent living cost is around 12-15 percent based on the research results conducted by the Labor Party and labor organizations.

“We take the highest 15 percent. So those are the reasons for the request of 15 percent higher labor wages in 2024,” Said Iqbal concluded.

Workers also demanded the revocation of the omnibus law on job creation and health law during today’s demonstration.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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