Labor Unions in Indonesia

Re Jim Mann’s “Indications Point to Clinton Toughening Indonesia Policy,” International Outlook, Jan. 29: Indonesia has consistently worked to improve industrial relations, including worker rights and conditions of employment. We have made great strides in addressing freedom of association rights and the right to organize and bargain collectively. A significant step forward was encouraging the development of democratically established and independent company-level unions that can negotiate collective-bargaining agreements with management.

Indonesia also continues to raise the level of minimum wages paid to workers. Wages are again scheduled to increase an average of 10.07% on April 1. We have increased enforcement of labor laws, including minimum wages, by progressively adding to our contingent of labor inspectors. At the same time, we are seeking assistance from Australia and the International Labor Organization to educate and train workers to be more aware of their rights, and for management to be more aware of our laws and regulations and the penalties they face for violating them.

It is unfortunate that certain dissident groups attempt to impose their political views on the emerging labor movement in Indonesia through inflammatory actions and statements, and seek to intentionally cause unrest by creating unrealistic expectations that Indonesia is unable to fulfill at this current stage of its national development.

DARMOSUTANTO BUDIMAN

Deputy Chief of Mission

Embassy of Indonesia

Washington