Middle Class Under Pressure

[Shadrach]

It's possible, but common sense rule they won’t take that route if they believe that adopting new technology would simply lead to high unemployment, social unrest, and deprive ordinary people of their livelihoods. What government or politician would want to risk being overthrown by their own people due to high employment, widespread social unrest?



Indonesian immigration officers at airports along with other officers under ministry of law and human right (Kemenkumham) are civil servants. In Indonesia, civil servants are required to undergo various state-funded training programs. These training sessions have even become business for training providers and the hospitality industry. Recent news this training funding will be reduced due to reallocation to fund free meals for School children.

For the civil servants themselves, participating in training can also be financially beneficial, as they receive travel allowances, per-diems, and other related benefits.

As for what will happen after training, I’m not entirely sure. They may be reassigned or transferred to different roles. However, it’s very unlikely they will be laid off. Some may even be given the opportunity to pursue further education, such as earning a degree or an advanced qualification, while awaiting a new assignment. Alternatively, those not interested in retraining might opt for early retirement. This tends to be the general practice. Civil servant job in Indonesian is a very secure job. As stated before some argue that civil servant job in Indonesia is 'a job for life'. Unlike in other countries, in Indonesia, only the President has the authority to dismiss or make a civil servant redundant.

There are no severance or gratuity payments for civil servants in Indonesia, but they will receive a monthly state pension after retirement for the rest of their life.

Again you seem to think that Governments care about the citizens? The Rich, only care about their Cronies, and Themselves! It takes a lot more than some civil servants losing their job, to cause Widespread social unrest! If they get a monthly pension for the rest of their lives, they are Lucky! Because No One Else gets retirement benefits in Indonesia! ‍‍‍

 

[harryopal1]

Capitalism knows no conscience.

Were the parking exit gate keepers civil servants? Not a job requiring a lot of training. I would have thought they were employees of Ngurah Rai airport management.

 

[marcus]

... Because No One Else gets retirement benefits in Indonesia! ‍‍‍

It is not true . But according to my wife , before BPJS , only Government employees (and probably companies like Telkom , Pertamina , ..) received pension .

According to my ex-landlord , her husband was one of the directors of Telkom but his pension in 2005 was only around Rp1 million per month (pension under the old rule) . She added that they became rich due to her work in buying/selling/renting properties .

 

[pantaiema]

It is not true . But according to my wife , before BPJS , only Government employees (and probably companies like Telkom , Pertamina , ..) received pension .

According to my ex-landlord , her husband was one of the directors of Telkom but his pension in 2005 was only around Rp1 million per month (pension under the old rule) . She added that they became rich due to her work in buying/selling/renting properties .

Employees at companies like PT Telkom, Pertamina, PLN, etc are not civil servants like the people working in government departments. Instead, they fall under the category of BUMN (State Owned Enterprises). These organisations operate in a semi-private capacity. Salaries and pensions for BUMN employees are tied to the performance of the enterprise. Generally, unless corruption is involved (separate discussion), these companies perform well due to government support, intervention if needed and, in some cases, monopolistic advantages.

Compared to regular civil servants, BUMN employees typically receive higher salaries. Their pension schemes also differ from those of standard government workers. However, in terms of job security, positions within BUMNs are still considered very stable arguably second only to civil service roles.

In the case of a Telkom director receiving only Rp1 million per month in 2005, this is indeed plausible. The pension system at PT Telkom generally works as follows:

Upon retirement, a pensioner typically receives 20% of their total pension entitlement as a lump sum. The remaining 80% is then distributed as fixed monthly payments for the rest of their life. However, at BUMN retirees also have the option to take the entire amount or any preferred percentage as a lump sum instead. This choice is often made by those who plan to start a business or who believe they may not live much longer upon retirement.

To give you an idea. In normal situation (e.g 20% Lumpsum + 80% fixed monthly payments they will get pension benefit using this formula

Pension Benefit: (Percentage currently 2.5% x Final Salary) x Year of services.
So say an employee at PT telkom

• Final salary Rp8m
• Year of services 30 years
• Persentage used, currently 2.5% p.a

So their pension benefit will be
(2.5% x 8m) x 30 = Rp6m pm so this is far from Rp1m

If they are civil servants a lump sum like employees in BUMN is not an option.

 

[pantaiema]

In the major ASEAN countries, the unemployment rate in Indonesia is already on top of the league and it is only increasing due to foreign investors seems to start looking for another alternative..

A significant percentage of unemployed individuals are university graduates , and many laid-off workers face age discrimination

Indonesia Jobs Emergency: Misery of Unemployment-Wave of Layoffs

Number of Workers Laid Off Explodes, What Should the Government Do?

Job Seekers Queue Overflows, Reaching Millions of People

Threat of Mass Layoffs Haunts the Country

 

[pantaiema]

During his vice-presidential debate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka pledged to create 19 million jobs by simultaneously developing multiple sectors. However, amid widespread layoffs, the public is now questioning the fulfilment of this promise.

https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20231222194212-4-499732/janji-gibran-buka-19-juta-lapangan-kerja Gibran's Promise: Open 19 Million Jobs

 

[harryopal1]

In Australia former PM John Howard caught out on unfufilled promises explained there were core promises and non core promises. He had promised his Treasurer, Peter Costello that he would step aside at the next election but didn't. ""I know I promised, mate - but I have core promises and non-core promises - " He also promised before the election that he would not introduce a GST (general service tax on all purchases. ) But then once re-elected he introduced a 10%GST. Another "non core" promise.

Obviously Gibran's promise of 19 juta kerja was a non core promise.

 

[harryopal1]

Just watched a TV news story about chaos at two job fairs in Jakarta. More than 7 million, it appears mostly young people, attend such fairs each year desperately hoping to find employment. Not just an Indonesia problem as around the world millions of educated young people find it difficult if not impossible to find satisfying employment. With increased use of AI and robotization this situation is likely to get seriously worse in the absence of major governmental initatives.

 

[marcus]

In Australia former PM John Howard caught out on unfufilled promises ...

Obviously Gibran's promise of 19 juta kerja was a non core promise.

In my country , politicians are probably the most hated professionals .

I am not a specialist , but I have a feeling that our "democracies" are dominated by the lobbies of big companies and rich people , and in many cases there is no good candidate to choose and/or candidates that the general people ignore and are lazy to check .

Add to that , I always did think that it is very bad for our society that the most relevant & difficult "jobs" are done in most cases by inexperienced people ("jobs" for being : government leaders , parents , .. ) .

 

[Shadrach]

Just watched a TV news story about chaos at two job fairs in Jakarta. More than 7 million, it appears mostly young people, attend such fairs each year desperately hoping to find employment. Not just an Indonesia problem as around the world millions of educated young people find it difficult if not impossible to find satisfying employment. With increased use of AI and robotization this situation is likely to get seriously worse in the absence of major governmental initatives.

While the Rich Bosses, laugh their Asses off, All the Way to the Bank! It seems there is no compassion in Capitalism!

 

[Shadrach]

In Australia former PM John Howard caught out on unfufilled promises explained there were core promises and non core promises. He had promised his Treasurer, Peter Costello that he would step aside at the next election but didn't. ""I know I promised, mate - but I have core promises and non-core promises - " He also promised before the election that he would not introduce a GST (general service tax on all purchases. ) But then once re-elected he introduced a 10%GST. Another "non core" promise.

Obviously Gibran's promise of 19 juta kerja was a non core promise.

that sounds like a Truth, and a Half Truth! He must have said that with his fingers crossed behind his back!

 

[pantaiema]

In my country , politicians are probably the most hated professionals .

I am not a specialist , but I have a feeling that our "democracies" are dominated by the lobbies of big companies and rich people , and in many cases there is no good candidate to choose and/or candidates that the general people ignore and are lazy to check .

Add to that , I always did think that it is very bad for our society that the most relevant & difficult "jobs" are done in most cases by inexperienced people ("jobs" for being : government leaders , parents , .. ) .

In Indonesia, I believe, it isn't the case. People are willing to spend billions of rupiah just to secure a seat in the local parliament, parliament. Let alone higher executive positions like mayor, regent, or governor.

In Indonesia, it's not unusual for people to pursue careers in politics as a means to accumulate wealth, often through exploiting natural resources or inflating procurement costs

Campaigns are sometimes even supported by hired thugs to stir up crowds and create a mob-like atmosphere.

 

[harryopal1]

In Indonesia, I believe, it isn't the case. People are willing to spend billions of rupiah just to secure a seat in the local parliament, parliament. Let alone higher executive positions like mayor, regent, or governor.

In Indonesia, it's not unusual for people to pursue careers in politics as a means to accumulate wealth, often through exploiting natural resources or inflating procurement costs

Campaigns are sometimes even supported by hired thugs to stir up crowds and create a mob-like atmosphere.

In Indonesia, for most people to hate politicians while others spend billions to achieve executive positions are not mutually exclusive positions and certainly does not disprove Marcus's point that most people in his country hate politicans. Indeed my observation is that this is also pretty much the case here in Indonesia. The fact that people with substantial wealth will buy themselves into politics is a good reason why there is such distrust of the political system. I have spoken to so many well educated Indonesians who take no interest in elections or who is in government as they have such a low opinion of the political scene in Indonesia.

 

[pantaiema]

In Indonesia, for most people to hate politicians while others spend billions to achieve executive positions are not mutually exclusive positions and certainly does not disprove Marcus's point that most people in his country hate politicans. Indeed my observation is that this is also pretty much the case here in Indonesia. The fact that people with substantial wealth will buy themselves into politics is a good reason why there is such distrust of the political system. I have spoken to so many well educated Indonesians who take no interest in elections or who is in government as they have such a low opinion of the political scene in Indonesia.

Statistical Evidence. The membership of mass organisations in Indonesia often linked to political party

5 Ormas Islam Tekenal dan Paling Berpengaruh di Indonesia

Keberadaan ormas Islam sudah ada sebelum Indonesia merdeka, bahkan berkontribusi lebih terhadap perjuangan kemerdekaan.

www.tempo.co

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): >95m this is the main supporter of PKB Party
Muhammadiyah: >50m this is the main supporter of PPP Party

You have not counted other mass organisations and the mass organisation involving in Thuggery, Extortion, debt collector, career mass demonstrators. A few to name GRIB, PP, Ex FPI, etc

In Indonesia or anywhere in the world, it's normal to feel envy or resentment toward those who are further along in their careers. While many express disdain for politicians, they still seek to join mass organisations, often tied to political parties, because of the financial opportunities involved. Thye hate politicians yet they still want to join mass organisation hoping to use the mass organisation as their vehicles to advance their careers and later for financial gain.

Remember that you don't need to be part of mass organisations which often linked to political party to live a devout religious, to be able to vote in the local and central government election. Similarly you do not need to be part of mass organisations to take part in mass protests against social injustice, etc.

 

[harryopal1]

Statistical Evidence. The membership of mass organisations in Indonesia often linked to political party

5 Ormas Islam Tekenal dan Paling Berpengaruh di Indonesia

Keberadaan ormas Islam sudah ada sebelum Indonesia merdeka, bahkan berkontribusi lebih terhadap perjuangan kemerdekaan.

www.tempo.co

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): >95m this is the main supporter of PKB Party
Muhammadiyah: >50m this is the main supporter of PPP Party

You have not counted other mass organisations and the mass organisation involving in Thuggery, Extortion, debt collector, career mass demonstrators. A few to name GRIB, PP, Ex FPI, etc

In Indonesia or anywhere in the world, it's normal to feel envy or resentment toward those who are further along in their careers. While many express disdain for politicians, they still seek to join mass organisations, often tied to political parties, because of the financial opportunities involved. Thye hate politicians yet they still want to join mass organisation hoping to use the mass organisation as their vehicles to advance their careers and later for financial gain.

Remember that you don't need to be part of mass organisations which often linked to political party to live a devout religious, to be able to vote in the local and central government election. Similarly you do not need to be part of mass organisations to take part in mass protests against social injustice, etc.

Marcus referred to most people hating politicians. Your earlier response was, "In Indonesia, I believe, it isn't the case." Then in your next post, "... Thye hate politicians yet they still want to join mass organisation..."

I really don't understand the point you are trying to make.

 

[pantaiema]

Marcus referred to most people hating politicians. Your earlier response was, "In Indonesia, I believe, it isn't the case." Then in your next post, "... They hate politicians yet they still want to join mass organisation..."

I really don't understand the point you are trying to make.

People hate politicians when they aren’t the ones in power. They hate politicians who do not represent their personal interest, not the ones who do. Why are so many people in Indonesia eager to join mass organisation, mass movements just to support politicians or try to become one themselves?

If you hate politicians yet seek to become one through established paths like mass organisations, it’s simply a form of hypocrisy. The well-educated Indonesians you mention might be among them. People who truly dislike politics and politicians typically avoid mass organisations and don’t participate in local or national elections just to support for friends, relatives, family members, organisation, party etc to represent their personal interest.

 

[Shadrach]

People hate politicians when they aren’t the ones in power. They hate politicians who do not represent their personal interest, not the ones who do. Why are so many people in Indonesia eager to join mass organisation, mass movements just to support politicians or try to become one themselves?

If you hate politicians yet seek to become one through established paths like mass organisations, it’s simply a form of hypocrisy. The well-educated Indonesians you mention might be among them. People who truly dislike politics and politicians typically avoid mass organisations and don’t participate in local or national elections just to support for friends, relatives, or family members, etc to represent their personal interest.

If the politician's truly had the desire to do Good, instead of just seeking power and riches, then the system would be OK. But, when a well meaning politician promotes a bill that benefits the People, doesn't fit the Status Quo, they are shut down and have to follow the rest. So their good intentions go down the drain, and they become just another rich drone Zombie! That's the problem with Politics!

 

[pantaiema]

Innovation and creativity in adapting to changing environments are what enable survival during waves of workforce lay-offs. This idea, rooted in Charles Darwin’s long-standing theory, emphasises that adaptability is essential for survival.

The fact that Caroline's story catches attention of CNA Insider tells a lot of thing. CNA Insider is widely regarded as a reputable content provider, particularly known for its in-depth documentaries and human-interest stories across Asia.


The video shares the journey of Caroline, an Indonesian entrepreneur who launched a mobile coffee business using just $300 and a scooter. She runs a "slow bar," personally brewing coffee and engaging with customers from a specially designed coffee box attached to her scooter.

Originally from Bali, Caroline relocated to Depok City, drawing inspiration from her parents who were coffee farmers. Her mobile café stands out with its affordable prices and distinctive concept, appealing particularly to younger customers. Despite obstacles such as disputes with vendors and unpredictable weather, her business gained momentum after a video about her went viral.

Caroline now earns around 6 million Indonesian Rupiah per month, setting aside 20% in savings. She hopes to eventually open a brick-and-mortar café, expand into event services, and one day open a café in Europe. Her key advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take the first step, prioritise financial management, and build meaningful relationships.

 

[pantaiema]

If the politician's truly had the desire to do Good, instead of just seeking power and riches, then the system would be OK. But, when a well meaning politician promotes a bill that benefits the People, doesn't fit the Status Quo, they are shut down and have to follow the rest. So their good intentions go down the drain, and they become just another rich drone Zombie! That's the problem with Politics!

Take, for example, the recent increase in job fairs in response to widespread layoffs. Although these events often boast a high number of job vacancies, there is little transparency or publicly accessible data on how many actual job offers or contracts result from them. Additionally, labor market experts have questioned the relevance of holding physical job fairs in today’s digital age. Many countries have already shifted away from these traditional methods, viewing them as outdated and inefficient for modern job matching. Also there are applicants who are travelling from different cities just to be told to scan the QR code and apply online.

Some documentaries have suggested that these job fairs are actually a 'con', with the advertised vacancies are significantly inflated compared to the availability of the actual vacancies. Whistleblowers who speak out about this issue have reportedly faced backlash, including pressure from the Vice Minister of Manpower. This Vice Minister of Manpower has even make a public request asking employers of these whistleblowers who work in HR Department to have them sacked.

This job fairs may be driven by pressure from higher authorities, with officials eager to appear proactive. It’s worth noting that the Vice President made a campaign promise to create 19 million new jobs across various sectors.

 

[pantaiema]

The widespread layoffs continue in Bali. After Coca cola, it is now Finns Clubs.
https://bali.tribunnews.com/2025/06...ini-finns-recreation-club-phk-157-karyawannya BADUNG Haunted by Mass Layoffs! After Coca Cola, Now FINNS Recreation Club Lays Off 157 Employees

https://bali.tribunnews.com/2025/06...t=reco-related&utm_source=bali.tribunnews.com FINNS Recreation Club Lays Off 157 Employees, Badung Disperinaker Conducts Field Verification