Female Workers Press Joko for Change

Jakarta Globe, SP/Deti Mega Purnamasari, May 01, 2014

Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo meets with Women’s Action Committee
representatives on May 1. (SP Photo/Deti Mega)

Jakarta. Governor and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) presidential candidate Joko Widodo, popularly know as Jokowi, received a delegation of female workers on Thursday who handed him their “2014 black note” — a petition urging him to take action against workplace discrimination — as tens of thousands of workers took to the streets to mark International Workers’ Day.

The workers, representing the Women’s Action Committee (KAP), said they had seen no significant progress for female workers during Joko’s time in office.

“Discrimination on hourly wages and unpaid unpaid overtime has been [an ongoing problem], KAP member Listiyowati said. “There’s no menstrual leave and maternity leave. After [mothers] deliver babies, their contracts are terminated.”

Under Indonesian labor law, companies are required to provide two days of paid leave per month to menstruating women. Indonesia is among a small groups of countries — along with Japan, Korea and Taiwan — that off generous menstrual leave, although the policy is controversial and sometimes absent in practice.

The workers also asked for greatwe protections for domestic and migrant workers.

Joko said he was taking the demands seriously.

“The most important thing is that I know and understand, and hopefully can fight for [women],” Joko said. “There are many basic problems that have not been solved because of the absence of laws.”

He said he would fight for decent jobs, fair wages and safe conditions for women.