Apindo Concerned over Labor Actions Driving Away Investors

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) expressed concern over labor actions in the country here on Tuesday, saying that unless they are controlled they could drive investors away. "Some investors from South Korea, for example, have already asked to leave, but we can still ask them to stay," Apindo's General Chairman Sofyan Wanandi said. He noted that South Korean investors often seek labor-intensive manufacturing, especially those operating in the shoe manufacturing, garment and electronic industries. "We hoped workers would think and not do things that would harm our economy. If it goes on like this, we will be in trouble when seeking to attract investment," he said. Sofyan said employers urged the government to create security and legal certainties so the investment climate in the country could be maintained. "We must not continuously be like this. We can collapse," he said. He admitted that a labor strike is the right of unions, but unions must also think before conducting strikes in order to prevent damage to the investment climate and not threaten investments in the country. With regard to domestic investors, Sofyan said some have already moved their businesses in Central Java. Sofyan's concern emerged following workers' plans to conduct a national strike from October 31 to November 1. During this strike, about three million workers are expected to cease work in 20 provinces and 150 cities and districts. Workers are demanding a wage increase up to Rp3.7 million a month, as well as ending the outsourcing of work. (*)