"Outsourcing practices have made the workers miserable."
Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Numerous workers in Batam, Riau Islands, have asked Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to pay more attention to their demands.

"We ask the president to pay attention to us," said the coordinator of Batam`s Indonesian Metal Workers Federation (FSPMI) Suprapto here on Friday.

The president was inaugurate a modest rental apartment (Rusunawa) at Kabil industrial area on Batam Island on Friday. Thereafter, the head of state is expected to hold a dialogue with worker representatives.

Suprapto hopes that the results of the discussion will be implemented as government policies.

"Most of the laborers in Batam live in poor conditions. Government minimum wages are not enough because the living cost is very high in Batam," he added.

The Chairman of All-Indonesian Workers Union Federation (FSPSI) Saiful Badri stated that he will present four demands of workers. These comprise the eradication of outsourcing, provision of living wages, enforcement of the Social Security Provider (BPJS) Law and the revision of the Manpower Ministry Law regarding proper living.

"Outsourcing practices have made the workers miserable because they give rise to uncertainty," said Saiful.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage left Jakarta on Friday morning for a working visit to Batam, where they will remain until Saturday.
(T.I025/INE/KR-BSR/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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