150 workers protest over pay

JAKARTA (JP): About 150 employees of PT Bretanindo Asri in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, staged a protest at the Ministry of Manpower compound on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta on Friday, demanding better pay conditions.

Anggit, the coordinator of the protest, said the workers asked their company to abolish the contract system and to give a transportation allowance of Rp 77,000 per month, Idul Fitri allowances and monthly leave.

"This is our second visit to this compound. The first was on May 11. We want a tripartite meeting with representation from the ministry, the company and the workers' union," Anggit was quoted by Antara as saying.

She explained that the workers had complained to the Commission of Human Rights too, but had received no response.

"When we staged another protest on Thursday with the help of students, nine workers and 17 students were arrested by police from North Jakarta."

She said that if the management did not respond, the workers were prepared to stay in the ministry compound until their demands are met.