Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has said that Tanjung Priok Port has operated normally, including export-import activities, despite the workers' strike at Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT).

The strike is planned to be held from August 3 to 10, 2017.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the port operations ran well. We hope that it could continue to operate," Budi said, after inspecting the Greater Jakarta Light Rail Transit (LRT) project near Jagorawi toll road in Jakarta, on Friday.

The minister noted that workers demands would be discussed with the companys management, and the ministry did not have the authority to intervene.

The ministry assured that the port could operate normally despite the problem, he asserted.

"Therefore, we have communicated with stakeholders through harbormaster. There is a cooperation between JICT team and companies there," he added.

Budi disclosed that he had not received reports on stagnation in Tanjung Priok Port and complaints from companies until the second day of the strike.

The minister has called on companies to submit reports to the ministry if they found difficulties because of the workers' strike.

"I will be all out to improve services in vital facilities. It is the governments task to handle this. We guarantee that it (services) would run normally," he remarked.

Budi has also called on the JICT labor union to stop its action and focus on public services.

"I called on the labor union to stop the strike. This is vital facility. We should not go on strike," he added.

More than 650 workers of the JICT at North Jakartas Tanjung Priok port have gone on strike since Thursday, demanding the balance of their bonuses, which they claim had been reduced by 42 percent.

The bonuses were cut after the companys profit before tax (PBT) dropped from US$66.3 million in 2015 to $44.2 million in 2016.

Workers have also demanded a rescue for JICT as national asset that would be managed by local workers.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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