Archive for the 'Thoughts' Category

Let’s Go Honeymooning

Thea May 25th, 2007

Yesterday, when supervising a vendor performing simulation in Sukarno-Hatta airport, my colleague, Wulan, asked me to accompany her to take tickets. I asked her where she wants to go. She just smiled at me without replying anything. As I knew that she’s going to marry this July, I guessed that she bought tickets for honeymoon. I was right:)
Honeymoon, can be said ‘a-must’ ritual a new couple has after they marry. Usually, they go to special place which hopefully will be memorable all the times. However, it depends on the couple themselves whether they want to go or not. The place is kind of “sanctuary” where the couples may hide from any disturbance…hehehehe
Then, I remember a friend who is now furthering her study in Oz. In between her activity working with her thesis, she works in a department store where she can earn more money than usual graduate student. She concedes that she wants to earn money as many as possible. For what?? So, when she marry, she has enough money to go honeymooning.
Another colleague, who’s going to marry this early of June, has planned his honeymoon as well. He chooses Malaysia instead of my recommendation to go to Bali or Lombok. I don’t know his considerations choosing Malaysia. I think Bali and Lombok are much better than Malaysia. After all, it depends on him and his wife-to-be.
Back to Wulan. I asked her how she managed the honeymoon. After telling me many things, she asked me, ’When will your turn Thea?” and I just smiled toward her.
Have you planned anyway?

May Day..May Day!! A Call for Unity

Thea May 1st, 2007

Today, a thousand of labors gather to do massive rallies to mark the International Labor day. In several big cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung, the rallies occur in several spots.

This year, the rallies protest the contract system, an amendment to a 2003 labor law and a severance pay scheme that does not compensate workers enough.

In Indonesia, the condition of labor is saddening. In addition to the small payment they receive, the work condition itself to some extent is bad. Moreover, the labor law mostly defends the big entrepreneurs’ interests. It’s very saddening to know that many labors only can earn money for their own lives. They hardly afford their families’ needs.

This morning, I was invited to join the rallies representing the workers alliance of my company. Too bad, due to my tight schedules, I couldn’t join them. But surely, I will always support all efforts for a better condition of labor in Indonesia. Regardless our background, our professional occupation, our salary or our company, I am convinced we should be united to support the interests our friends urge in this May Day Celebration. Thus, a win-win solution for labors and entrepreneurs will emerge.

One more issue. As Indonesia is a country who hasn’t recognized 1 May as national holiday, most workers alliances urge government to recognize it as national holiday. Meanwhile, many countries in the rest of the world have done.

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