Apindo Boss Rejects Mandatory Tapera Premium: 'It Should Be Voluntary'
Translator
Editor
31 May 2024 11:25 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo), Shinta Kamdani, reiterated her objection to the recently introduced public housing savings or Tapera premium policy. She argued that the program should be voluntary,
"The salary reduction for social security already exists. If there is a new program, it should be voluntary," she said at the IDX building in South Jakarta on Thursday, May 30.
Shinta said she supports the housing program. However, she believes that the program could be funded from the state budget, the Supplemental Benefits (MLT), or the housing finance facilities and other benefits provided to participants in the BPJS Employment to Old Age Security (JHT) program.
Shinta also objected to the private sector's obligation to share Tapera's contributions. "If it is for the civilian state apparatus, military officers, or police who work under the government, then go ahead," she said.
Shinta added that Apindo had consistently refused from the beginning and had objected several times, including in writing. Shinta said she was surprised by the issuance of the revision, which includes mandatory contributions for Tapera. The association, she said, is considering filing a lawsuit, but she has good faith that the government is still open to discussing a re-evaluation of the rule.
On May 20, President Joko Widodo signed Government Regulation (PP) No. 21 of 2024 on the implementation of Tapera, a revision of PP No. 25 of 2020. The new regulation requires additional deductions of 2.5 percent for employees and 0.5 percent for employers.
Speaking at the same area, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that the public still needs to be socialized on the benefits of Tapera. He explained that there are two types of benefits, namely new housing and renovation.
Airlangga said that later the interest rate will be regulated at a certain level. "There needs to be a deeper socialization so that workers are aware of what they can get from this program," he said.
Ilona Estherina
Editor's Choice: Labor Party, Unions Urge Govt to Scrap Tapera, Set to Stage Protest
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
