Jakarta – The director general of the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Guy Ryder is convinced that labour issues in Indonesia can be resolved by the government, employees and companies sitting down together.
“Coincidentally I arrived in Jakarta yesterday at the same time as quite large labour demonstrations. But the problem is, are demonstrations the best way to demand [better] wages”, Ryder told Timothy Marbun from Kompas TV during a special interview in Jakarta on Thursday December 11.
In order to resolve wage problems, according to Ryder, the best approach is through routine meetings between stakeholders. “So there’s no need to take to the streets, but have a meeting in the same room”, said Ryder.
In order to facilitate this, one of ILO’s goals is to assist in bringing together the three related parties and at the same time helping to find the best solution. Nevertheless, Rider cannot guarantee that this formulation will always be effective.
“If you ask is there a single best formulation in order to be successful? The answer is no. Because each country has different viewpoints in pursuing policies to resolve labour problems. But Indonesia could also copy the experiences of other countries”, said Ryder.
Ryder’s visit to Indonesia on 10-13 December is his first. He is scheduled to meet with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the minister of labour and the association of Indonesian employers as well as trade union confederations. (AlwiyahHusin/Kompas TV)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the report was ILO Minta Buruh di Indonesia Tak Demo Turun ke Jalan.]
