Jakarta – Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has voiced disagreement with the Public Housing Savings (Tapera) program, which has sparked public opposition since becoming mandatory for private and independent workers after previously being reserved for civil servants.
Tapera requires that participants deposit 3 percent of their monthly salary for future homeownership. This deposit is split between the employer and employee, covering 0.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.
Sandiaga argued that every worker has different financial capabilities and highlighted the current challenging economic situation.
"Not all policies can be applied to every industry. We have to assess which industries can and cannot [implement the program]," Sandiaga said on Friday, as quoted by the Antara news agency.
He believes that in addition to imposing a burden on workers, not all businesses are adequately prepared.
"Some companies are well-prepared because their businesses generate a lot of cash. However, others face challenges, particularly those heavily reliant on labor. We need to strike a balance here," he said.
Sandiaga also hoped the responsibility would not fall solely on workers or on the government alone. "This is a bitter pill that we must take... but the burden cannot be imposed on all parties," he said.
There are also plans to include online taxi drivers and delivery couriers into the program.