200 Kamra members to be sent abroad

SURABAYA (JP): In response to the disrupting demonstrations held by members of the police-sponsored civilian militia (Kamra) who face unemployment after their working contract ends this month, East Java governor Imam Utomo promised on Wednesday to have 200 Kamra sent abroad as unskilled workers.

"For the first batch, as many as 200 Kamra members will be sent to Malaysia. They are now being intensively trained in various fields by the Ministry of Manpower office," the governor told reporters, without revealing the date on which they would be sent.

Waves of protest by hundreds of Kamra members have hit the East Java capital of Surabaya recently. They first stormed the East Java Police headquarters, and then targeted the gubernatorial office. The third protest took place on Wednesday when they marched to the provincial legislative council office to question their future.

Responding to the demonstration, Imam said that he had also asked businessmen and owners of factories, to help Kamra members gain employment soon after their contract, with the Ministry of Security and Defense, expires on Dec. 31.

"I've contacted many businessmen, asking them to hire Kamra members especially as security guards. If each company takes one Kamra person, we will have hundreds of Kamra members employed," he said.

There are around 6,000 Kamra members in East Java.

According to the governor, it is impossible for the administration to recruit Kamra members as civil servants. "We still have thousands of honorary workers hired in all departments."

"We don't have any vacancies. With regional autonomy to be implemented next year, many employees from Jakarta will spill over into the regions. Kamra members must be patient."

Wednesday's demonstration at the provincial legislative council office disrupted traffic. The Kamra members also blocked the entrance gate of the building for two hours, forcing the councilors to remain in or outside the office. They dispersed after legislative council speaker Bisjri Abdul Djalil met them.

Kamra has demonstrated nationwide, querying their future. The biggest demonstration was held in Yogyakarta last month, when 4,000 Kamra members from Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara and South Sumatra gathered to ask for the government's account of their fate.

Kamra was established last year under the initiative of the then Minister of Security of Defense Gen. Wiranto.

The Armed Forces (ABRI) needed help in enforcing law and restoring a sense of security among the public, Wiranto argued at the time. (nur/sur)