InfoSAWIT, SANGATTA – The Kutai Timur Regency Government held a Hearing Meeting (RDP) between the Federation of Militant Labor Unions of the Indonesian Trade Union Alliance Congress (FPBM-KASBI) in Kutim and several palm oil companies operating in the region last Wednesday. The meeting took place in the Arau Room at the Kutai Timur Regent's Office and was facilitated to seek solutions to various labor issues that have arisen in the field.
Several companies present at the meeting included PT Gunta Samba, PT Nusaraya Agro Sawit (NAS), PT Kalimantan Agro Nusantara (Kalianusa), PT Telen, and PT Dinamika Prima Artha. The local government also brought in Deputy Regent of Kutim Mahyunadi, Assistant for Community Welfare Poniso Suryo Renggono, Head of the Manpower Office Roma Malau, as well as representatives from BPJS Employment, the Cooperatives and SMEs Office, the Plantation Office, and the Environment Office.
Chairman of FPBM-KASBI Kutim, Andre, opened his remarks by emphasizing that this forum is not a confrontation platform but a space to seek justice for workers. He stressed the importance of building a healthy and civilized industrial relationship.
“There is no industrial relationship that is meant to be confrontational. What exists is how to build a humanistic and harmonious relationship,” he stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from the official website of the Kutai Timur Government on Friday (July 11, 2025).
Andre described the situation in the field as a "cat and mouse" game between workers and companies. He pointed out that the law mandates the creation of a balanced, respectful, and conflict-free working relationship.
He also revealed several key issues faced by palm oil workers, including unpaid severance due to layoffs, unfulfilled maternity leave rights for female workers, and welfare issues that have not met decent standards.
“This is not just a legal issue, but also concerns basic needs. If their rights are not granted, how can they eat?” Andre asserted.
He reminded companies that workers' basic rights should not be delayed simply because legal processes are not yet finalized. "Do not wait for a legally binding decision to grant workers' basic rights,” he added.
In response, representatives from each company were given the opportunity to clarify and express their commitment to resolve various complaints within the agreed timeframe.
Deputy Regent Mahyunadi appreciated the presence of both parties and the active role of FPBM-KASBI in voicing workers' aspirations constitutionally.
“Thank you to the companies and labor unions that tirelessly voice workers' aspirations in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.
Mahyunadi also clarified that this activity is purely a form of government concern for community welfare, not a political agenda as sometimes misinterpreted by the public.
“Sometimes when officials come down, it is thought to be political. In fact, this is purely about fighting for the people's aspirations,” he emphasized.
He stressed the importance of implementing the agreements reached and that no party should evade responsibility. “If given 10 days, it must be resolved within that time. The important thing is that investment in Kutim remains safe, and workers' rights are upheld according to regulations,” Mahyunadi concluded. (T2)
