Two activists arrested for leading protest<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Two labor activists were arrested yesterday for
\norganizing a demonstration to press their demand that the
\ngovernment raise the daily minimum wage to Rp 7,000.<\/p>\n
The two, Dita Sari and Wilson from the Center for Indonesian
\nWorkers' Struggle (PPBI) led about 50 worker activists to stage a
\npeaceful protest to the manpower ministry.<\/p>\n
The demonstration, organized in connection with World Labor
\nDay, which falls on May 1, was forcibly dispersed despite the
\nManpower Minister Abdul Latief's repeated promises that he will
\nlisten to protesters' demand.<\/p>\n
The banner-waving protesters demanded that the government
\nraise the standard daily minimum wage at Rp 7,000 nationwide and
\nguarantee freedom of union.<\/p>\n
They also demanded that the military kick its habit of
\nmeddling in labor disputes.<\/p>\n
\"Why are you dragging us to the police station? We're not
\ndoing anything wrong, are we? We are here to fight for workers'
\nwelfare,\" Dita protested to the police officers who escorted her
\nto a waiting car.<\/p>\n
\"You are here representing your own interests. We need you for
\nquestioning,\" Sgt. Hasanuddin told Dita.<\/p>\n
The government has set the minimum daily wage, across the
\ncountry, to between Rp 2,800 and Rp 4,750 but labor activists,
\nnotably those of the unrecognized Prosperous Labor Union demand
\nthat the minimum wage be set at Rp 7,000.<\/p>\n
Rini, an employee of PT Electro in Tangerang, West Java, said
\nall workers in the company were \"under oppression\" and barred
\nfrom striking and establishing an independent union.<\/p>\n
\"We find that our salaries are not adequate to meet our daily
\nneeds. We are forced to work under pressure and receive no meal
\nallowance,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Dita, the PPBI secretary general, claimed that workers,
\nespecially those in the manufacturing sector, have been
\npractically exploited.<\/p>\n
\"Despite economic booming, a majority of workers are still
\nliving in poverty. They are being treated like machines in their
\nwork place. Many of them are too poor to send their children to
\nschool,\" she said, adding that working conditions in Indonesia
\nare among the worst in Asia, even in the world.<\/p>\n
She said that the bad labor conditions in the country should
\nbe seen as indications that the government has no commitment to
\nimprove workers' welfare and livelihood.<\/p>\n
The demonstration was jointly organized by PPBI and the
\nSolidarity of Indonesian Students for Democracy. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/two-activists-arrested-for-leading-protest-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}