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KSBSI declares support for Joko presidential bid

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SP/Fana FS Putra, Jakarta – One of Indonesia's largest labor organizations on Thursday officially threw its support behind Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo's presidential candidacy.

The Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union Confederation (KSBSI) said that among Indonesia's presidential hopefuls, Joko has paid the most attention to labor issues.

"The KSBSI has agreed to support Jokowi because we believe he has what it takes to be the country's next president," KSBSI president Mudhofir said Thursday, referring to the governor by his popular nickname.

Mudhofir said that Joko's commitment to labor issues was proven when the former Solo mayor increased Jakarta's minimum wage by 43 percent last year. "Jakarta has become the benchmark for other provinces in terms of minimum wage," he said.

Mudhofir added that many social welfare programs introduced under Joko, including the city's low-cost health care scheme, demonstrated the governor's commitment to the country's workers.

"Joko has supported laborers in the fight for decent wages and the eradication of outsourcing," he said. "He has also helped laborers fight against a poor social security scheme. We hope all these problems can be solved [under him],"

Mudhofir said the KSBSI's official support for Joko would significantly boost his electability because the union counts roughly three million members across the country.

He added that the KSBSI would not hesitate to monitor and criticize Joko's policies if he wound up being elected president. "If he breaks his promises after he is elected, of course laborers would hit the streets and protest," he said.

Another labor group, the All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI), has also previously declared its support for Joko as Indonesia's next president.

KSPSI president Andi Gani Nena Wea said that Joko would be able to garner at least eight million votes with the combined support of the KSPSI and KSBSI. "With this massive support, we are optimistic that Joko will be able to win the election in the first round," Andi said.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/labor-unions-declare-support-joko-presidential-bid/.