BRIDGING THE INTERESTS OF WORKERS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY: OVERSIGHT OF THE COUNTY MINIMUM WAGE IN BANDUNG REGENCY

Abstract

The District Minimum Wage (UMK) policy is a strategic instrument that must balance the protection of workers' rights with the sustainability of businesses. This study aims to analyze the role of the Manpower Office of Bandung Regency in supervising the implementation of the UMK, using Narwoko's Role Theory, which distinguishes between expected roles and actual roles. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through observation and in-depth interviews with the Industrial Relations Mediator of the Bandung Regency Manpower Office and workers from three different sectors (manufacturing, food and beverage, and education), conducted on 8 August 2024. The results show that, normatively, the Manpower Office has carried out coaching, socialization, and inspection-notice functions through a tripartite Wage Council. However, enforcement authority for violations lies with provincial labor inspectors, so the district-level Manpower Office's role is practically limited to mediation and appeal functions. Field findings also reveal a compliance gap across sectors: the manufacturing sector shows full compliance with the UMK, while the food and beverage and private education sectors still show patterns of violation, ranging from unilateral wage deductions to wages far below the minimum standard. The study concludes that the gap between the ideal role and the reality of supervision stems from structural authority limitations, making the strengthening of cross-level government coordination essential to sustainably bridge the interests of workers and businesses