The book deals with the transformation of labour markets in Indonesia over thirty years of New Order government under President Soeharto. It traces the impact of rapid economic growth on employment, wages and labour productivity in an initially poor labour surplus economy. Key elements of the process include a growing industrial and informal sector work force, rising labour incomes, increasing mobility of rural labour, regional integration and greater female participation in the economy. Challenges include high rates of urban unemployment, dissatisfaction with tight controls imposed on industrial workers and rising aspirations created by sharp increases in minimum wages.

The book deals with the transformation of labour markets in Indonesia over thirty years of New Order government under President Soeharto. It traces the impact of rapid economic growth on employment, wages and labour productivity in an initially poor labour surplus economy. Key elements of the process include a growing industrial and informal sector work force, rising labour incomes, increasing mobility of rural labour, regional integration and greater female participation in the economy. Challenges include high rates of urban unemployment, dissatisfaction with tight controls imposed on industrial workers and rising aspirations created by sharp increases in minimum wages.