Apindo NTB Urges Rational UMP 2026 Increase Without Adding Pressure on Businesses
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Mataram – The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) emphasized that discussions on the 2026 Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) should be conducted rationally and based on objective data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Apindo NTB Deputy Chairperson, Gusti Lanang Putra, stated that the formula for wage calculation is already clear and should no longer be a subject of debate.
“All the formulas and data are available from BPS. There’s nothing left to argue about. What’s important now is how we interpret and formulate the data together to determine a fair UMP for 2026,” Gusti Lanang said.
Official discussions regarding the 2026 UMP adjustment are scheduled to take place between November and December 2025, after all macroeconomic indicators and consumer price index (CPI) data have been compiled. He expressed hope that the process would proceed swiftly and efficiently, without prolonged disputes in the wage council.
Regarding the wage increase amount, Gusti Lanang stressed that any adjustment should be realistic and consider the current economic slowdown. “We all want employees to prosper, but businesses also need to survive. Many companies are still implementing efficiency measures because the economy hasn’t fully recovered,” he explained.
He acknowledged that many entrepreneurs in NTB are still struggling to maintain liquidity and retain workers amid sluggish economic conditions and declining consumer purchasing power. Therefore, he highlighted the importance of balancing workers’ welfare with companies’ financial capacity. “If the burden is too heavy, it could lead to layoffs or economic stagnation,” he warned.
On the other hand, Apindo NTB welcomed the government’s fiscal policies, particularly the Ministry of Finance’s initiatives to stimulate the business sector. According to Gusti Lanang, tax reduction or incentive programs will provide breathing space for businesses to sustain and grow. “We strongly support the government’s steps. If taxes can be reduced, the economy will move more freely. Businesses can breathe, investments will rise, and eventually, workers’ welfare will also improve,” he said optimistically.
Furthermore, he noted that the government’s success in maintaining fiscal stability and driving growth in the real sector would significantly impact employers’ ability to raise wages. “If the economy moves positively, wages will naturally increase without burdening companies,” he added.
Through constructive dialogue between the government, labor unions, and employers, Apindo NTB hopes the 2026 UMP decision will yield a fair and balanced solution one that not only benefits workers but also ensures industrial sustainability and long-term business resilience in West Nusa Tenggara.
Source: ekbisntb.com
