Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the entrepreneurs in the country to care about the interest of the workers in terms of their welfare.

"Besides meeting their obligations to the state by paying taxes, the entrepreneurs should care about the welfare of their workers because the economy and business world continue to grow," President Yudhoyono said during a meeting with PT Maspion employees here on Wednesday.

The head of state on the occasion noted that a good synergy between the workers and the management of a company would contribute to the progress of the company concerned, and at the same time boost the national economic growth.

"If the relation between a company and its workers is good, our industry will continue to grow. Therefore, I encourage PT Maspion to continue to expand its business for the economy of Indonesia, in addition to improving the welfare of its employees," the president asserted.

PT Maspion employs around 13,000 people with production facilities spread out in four industrial area in Sidoarjo and Gresik, East Java, and one factory in Jakarta, West Java.

Through the dedication and hard work of its employees, shaped by the strong entrepreneurship and vision of the founders, the company has been able to maintain its leading position in the house-ware industry, exhibit continued growth, and creating more values to all the stakeholders.

Established by Alim Husin and his partner Gunardi Go, the company has gradually built up its customer base and gain recognition in the industry as quality and reliable manufacturer.

Today, PT Maspion is one of Indonesia`s most respected group of companies, shaped by the expertise in product innovation and strong spirit of entrepreneurship of the founders.

During the meeting with Maspion employees, President Yudhoyono said the international Labor Day on May 1 would be celebrated as a national public holiday in Indonesia.

"As the head of state and government, I would like to tell a good news that hopefully the first of May next year will be declared as a national public holiday," the president said.

Yudhoyono added that the holiday on May 1 would not affect the number of effective national working days because it would be adjusted with collective leave days, determined by the government.

(O001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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