I continue to get positive reports about Governor Jokowi of Jakarta from various people.
I learned that the Governor increased the minimum wage of workers in Jakarta by 40% from 1.6 million rupiah to 2.2 million rupiah in 2012, as it was necessary to meet the high cost of living in the city.
This was welcomed by the workers and even accepted by the business community, as they recognized the need to pay the workers adequately to make a living.
In 2013, the Governor increased the minimum wage by 10% to 2.4 million rupiah. The workers had asked for the same 40% increase, but the Governor did not support it. They threatened the demonstrate but the Governor stood firm. He had the support of the citizens of Jakarta.
You can read more about this matter in this news article:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/jakarta/joko-sets-jakarta-minimum-wage-at-rp-2-4m/
When a leader is respected by the people, he can stand firm and act fairly. He does not have to bend to unreasonable demands.
Our Singapore leaders used to command this kind of respect in the past. It is time for them to rebuild the trust of the people.
Tan Kin Lian
*Former CEO of NTUC Income and presidential candidate