Civilian militia members go on strike over payment

JAKARTA (JP): At least 150 members of the People's Security (Kamra) civilian force deployed in North Jakarta went on strike on Wednesday over unpaid wages and other allowances.

The Kamra personnel, who were trained by the military and temporarily deployed to assist traffic police, said they have not yet received their Rp 200,000 (US$24) April salary, meal allowance of Rp 8,000 a day and free medical treatment.

"We were told earlier that we would get the allowance and the medical compensation, as well as the salary, when we were trained at a military camp in Cimahi, West Java," one militia member, Wawi Wardawi said.

Wawi, who has one daughter, said that in the past they received their wages between the 26th and 29th of every month.

"But until now, we have not got our salaries. It's difficult for us, because we're mostly married men," said Wawi, a former security guard at private taxi firm Steady Safe.

The 150 members started the sit-on strike at the North Jakarta Police station compound at 9 a.m. Wawi said he and his colleagues would continue to strike until they received their wages.

Another Kamra member, Edward R., said many of his colleagues had complained about the late payments to their respective supervisors, including the heads of the Koja, Tanjung Priok and Cilincing police subprecints where they are posted.

"But we always were given unsatisfactory answers. The officers wouldn't help us, and only asked us to wait. Of course, we can wait, but our families can't," said Edward, who has two children.

According to him, an officer at the Ministry of Defense and Security told him the payments had been given to National Police Headquarters.

"But the police claim the money is still at the ministry."

Separately, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said the Kamra wages would be paid by Thursday.

"We'll pay them probably beginning this evening or at the latest they would receive their salaries tomorrow," Noegroho said.

About 12,000 Kamra members have been deployed in the city since February this year. Many of them direct traffic in busy areas around the capital.

The Kamra personnel were originally recruited to help maintain security in the city ahead of the June 7 general election and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) General Session in August. (jun/emf)