Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said disputes over workers` demand for pay raises must be settled free from political interests.

He made the request here on Wednesday in a statement made at the presidential office in the company of Vice President Boediono, coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs Djoko Suyanto, coordinating minister for people`s welfare Agung Laksono, coordinating minister for economic affairs Hatta Rajasa, minister/state secretary Sudi Silalahi and cabinet secretary Dipo Alam.

President Yudhoyono said the problem must be solved by prioritizing the humanitarian, welfare and justice interests of the workers and continuation of business.

"I hope there are no other interests besides the interests of the workers and companies` capacity. Free it from any kind of political interests," he said.

He said morally the minimum wage of workers had to continue to be better and more appropriate in line with the growing economy.

"Formulate it correctly our moral obligation and responsibility from time to time to assure that the minimum wage of workers becomes better and better and more and more appropriate," he said.

He however also reminded that there are several categories of companies in Indonesia in terms of their capacity such as micro- and small businesses, medium businesses and big businesses which certainly also have a big capacity.

"They must all be put into consideration and calculated carefully. I am convinced those who work in micro- and small businesses could discuss well any problem that rises and could also understand companies` limits," he said.

On the other hand, he said, it would certainly be unacceptable if big companies with their increasing profit would not be moved to improve the welfare of their workers.

President Yudhoyono also asked for the implementation of the tripartite agreement that had been made involving all stakeholders namely the government, the workers and the employers.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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