Soldiers fire rubber bullets<\/p>\n
BEKASI (JP): Protesting employees of steel manufacturer PT
\nGunung Garuda in Kampung Tengsi, in Cibitung, (left photo)
\nclashed with military personnel yesterday, prompting the soldiers
\nto shoot at least 20 of them with rubber bullets.<\/p>\n
The injured were immediately rushed to Bhakti Husada hospital
\nat Cikarang for treatment.<\/p>\n
The shooting happened at midday when 150 members of the Army
\nStrategic Reserves Command and artillery units were confronted by
\nabout 2,000 angry workers threatening to destroy the firm's
\nfactory.<\/p>\n
They reportedly opened fire at the protesters after warnings
\nand warning shots were ignored.<\/p>\n
No fatalities were reported. Three officers suffered light
\ninjuries after being pelted with stones by the mob.<\/p>\n
The workers had earlier rallied in front of the factory
\ncomplex, demanding the establishment of a workers union, the
\nimprovement of their social welfare and the establishment of
\nboardinghouses for workers.<\/p>\n
A director of the factory, Chairuddin, said that he had
\napproved most of the demands. But the tension heightened in the
\nafternoon when one employee, identified as Atemana, entered the
\nbuilding and clocked in. He was booed and attacked by the
\nprotesters.<\/p>\n
Some soldiers intervened to separate the angry protesters and
\nsecure Atemana. Later the mob threw stones at the soldiers and
\ninvaded the complex.<\/p>\n
On seeing the approaching mob, the soldiers fired warning
\nshots to disperse the workers and then closed the gates.<\/p>\n
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and
\nhis aides, including his chief of staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi
\nand City Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji, visited the
\nscene. (ivy\/oby)<\/p>",
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