Errol Alonzo as ASPAC coordinator conducted his field mission to PPMP (Paguyuban Pekerja Muda Perduli or Association of Caring Young Workers) Indonesia last March 19 to April 3. The objectives of the visit are to see the realities of young people/workers and see how the PPMP responds to the challenges affecting their lives. During the visit, we got to see the realities of base groups (Bg) like that of Majalaya, Solokan Jeruk, Kiaracondong and Cijonje. These Bg where PPMP are present are sub- divided in different groups and comprise of members who are coming from sectors like factory workers and informal sectors (food vendor, farmers, drivers, working students and migrant workers).

During the discussions, you can feel the dreams and as-pirations for the future of the members. But the situations are driving them away in bringing changes to the lives of their fam-ilies.

Members who are working in the factory receives low salary only INR2,800,000/month or US$200 while others are INR3,600,000/month or US$257. It depends on the length of your company service. Even though they are working in a fac-tory for a year, they are not allowed to form associations or join in a trade union (TU). Otherwise, they will be fired from their jobs. This is hard for them because they always felt the fear of losing the job and how they will provide the family if worse comes to worse.

They are working beyond 8 hours of work and yet they are not paid. In some factories, its allowed to form a (TU) un-limited as long as you have 10 members . For example the company of TMP had a 3 TU established inside the factory which brings them into rivalry for the workers issues. They have different issues but the same demands and the company are fa-voring of it.

Workers are divided and it is easy for the company to implement policies that will not benefits the workers. The reality is the same in the Philippines in terms of labor right.. Contrac-tualization are becoming more of a problem for the workers. Everyday the fear of losing a job is more of their problem be-cause they are not sure if they will be permanent on the job

while putting all their strength, knowledge and skills in the work that they are doing. Their fate is always in the hands of the owner of the company. Bandung factory workers receive much lower salary compared to the neighboring areas but the prices of basic commodities are almost the same like rice, sugar, coffee and canned goods. Not to mention the house rental that also been deducted from themonthly earning which

leaves them worried on how to budget the small amount that they got from themonthly salary.