Workers' Protest in Jakarta Demands Higher Minimum Wage

Thousands March to Parliament

Hundreds of workers from various labor unions converged on the Indonesian Parliament building in Jakarta, demanding changes to the current minimum wage structure. The protesters, led by Said Iqbal, President of the Indonesian Workers' Confederation (KSPI), presented four main demands, with the primary focus on increasing the DKI Jakarta UMP ¹

Key Demands of the Protest

1. Increase UMP to Rp 5.89 million: The workers are demanding that the DKI Jakarta UMP be raised to Rp 5.89 million, aligning with the Kebutuhan Hidup Layak (KHL) standard. Currently, the UMP stands at Rp 5.73 million ²
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   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8308588/bos-buruh-protes-ump-rp-5-7-juta-kerja-di-jakarta-hidup-untuk-nombok
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2. Revision of West Java UMSK: The protesters are also calling for a revision of the UMSK (Upah Minimum Sektoral Kabupaten/Kota) in 19 regencies/cities across West Java to match the recommendations made by local regents/mayors ¹
   Source 1

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8308517/buruh-geruduk-dpr-minta-upah-minimum-jakarta-jabar-naik
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3. Opposition to DPRD selecting regional heads: The workers are against the proposal to allow the DPRD (Regional People's Representative Council) to elect regional heads, fearing a return to the New Order era ¹
   Source 1

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8308517/buruh-geruduk-dpr-minta-upah-minimum-jakarta-jabar-naik
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Rationale Behind the Demands

Said Iqbal emphasized that Jakarta, being an international city, has a high cost of living. He argued that with the current UMP of Rp 5.73 million, workers are forced to subsidize their living expenses by Rp 160,000 monthly when compared to the KHL standard ²

Additional Requests

In a unique demand, Said Iqbal suggested that the Jakarta Governor should provide a monthly subsidy of Rp 200,000 to workers to bridge the gap between the current UMP and the KHL. He cited examples of similar practices in cities like Brasilia, Sao Paulo, and Sydney ³