PALANGKA RAYA ~

Companies that do not pay their workers Eid allowance will be given administrative sanctions, Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri said here on Friday.

“Companies that do not pay THR (Eid allowance) to their workers will certainly be given sanctions such as postponement of administrative services. The government will not serve the companies concerned,” he stated.

According to a regulation, Dhakiri added, companies are required to pay Eid allowance at least a week ahead of the festival.

“Although the allowance must be paid by July 10 at the latest, or a week before Eid, I appeal to them (companies) to pay it as soon as they can, or at least two weeks before Eid,” he emphasized during a visit to the Manpower and Social Affairs Office.

The minister further noted that he had made the appeal so workers who wished to celebrate Eid could meet their needs for the festival.

If the THR is paid earlier, it can be used, for example, to buy tickets for transportation, for household needs or other requirements, Dhakiri explained.

He also pointed out that the THR issue had always been under public scrutiny because companies often pay it late or close to Eid. Sometimes, they even reduce the amount or suspend it entirely.

This is why employees are often uncertain about being given the allowance. Therefore, Dhakiri affirmed that he has tried to intervene and find a way to push companies that are proven unable to pay the allowance.

Meanwhile, the Manpower and Transmigration Department of Bali Province reminiscent of various companies on the island to immediately pay the THR for workers.

“We also have submitted an appeal through circular letter from some time ago, so we expect to be run in accordance with the provisions at least paid a week before Eid celebration,” said Head of Manpower and Transmigration (Disnakertrans) of Bali, I Gusti Agung Sudarsana , in Denpasar, on Monday.

Sudarsana said, workers have the right to receive THR. Related to the condition of workers in Bali who are predominantly Hindu, THR payment is often paid ahead of Nyepi Holy Day.

“If there is company that does not give THR, they should tell the problem to us,” he said.