North Jakarta Police chief of operations, Adj. Sr. Comr. Ngurah, said that robberies targeting bank customers ahead of Idul Fitri had been rampant in the past.

"Based on our experiences, such robberies occur during the fasting month prior to the Idul Fitri holiday," he told The Jakarta Post at his office on Thursday.

"Robbers may have organized for their *spies' to monitor all bank offices today. They know that during this time, many people withdraw large amounts of cash, especially for paying holiday allowance," he said.

Ngurah, therefore, asked companies to request for protection if they intended to withdraw large amounts of money.

"If possible, use bank transfers to pay holiday allowance. It's safer," Ngurah said.

Medium and small business enterprises, however, usually pay allowances in cash, particularly for low-grade labor, he said.

On Wednesday, an employee of a private company was mugged by a gang of four criminals after he withdrew Rp 86 million (US$8,600) in cash from a bank. The money was reportedly for holiday allowance for the company's employees.

Separately, companies citywide grouped under the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) ensured they would not delay paying holiday allowance to workers ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday.

Branch head Suprayitno said recently that all companies were expected to pay holiday allowances,locally known as THR, to their workers on time, in line with the 1994 manpower ministry regulation.

"There will be no delay in the payment of the THR as employees have the right to receive the allowance," he told Post.

"And so far, we have received no information about companies planning to delay their holiday payments. Our members usually pay it on time.

"If there's any delay, it may only be because of technical problems, such as problems with bank accounts," Suprayitno said.

According to the ministerial regulation, companies should pay the THR seven days before Idul Fitri at the latest. Idul Fitri this year falls on Sept. 21 and 22.

The amount of the allowance varies based on the length of time an employee has been working for a particular company.

Employees who have worked for at least three months, have the right to receive the allowance.

Those who have worked for a year receive the allowance equivalent to at least one month salary, while those who have worked for less than a year with their company are entitled to an allowance based on the number of months they have worked there.

Employers whose companies are financially troubled must submit a report to the manpower agency stating that they cannot pay the Idul Fitri bonus.

"Paying the THR is obligatory. Every company should be prepared to pay," Suprayitno said.

There are more than 500 business entities grouped in the Jakarta branch of Apindo, which range from small and medium scale entrepreneurs to big companies.

Head of the city's manpower agency, Deded Sukandar, said the agency would monitor the allowance payment to ensure no violations occurred.(bbs)

Popular

Resisting oppression with speculative fiction: Anselma’s path to Nebula Awards

Brazilian hiker's family criticises speed of Rinjani rescue effort

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave