Factories closed in jobs protest

TANGERANG: Residents of Bitung village, Cikupa, Tangerang regency, blocked the access roads to three plastic factories in protest against the companies' reluctance to recruit locals as workers.

The blockade, which has been going on since Monday, has forced PT Prima Makmur Rotokemindo, PT Royalindo Engraftama and PT Poly Kemas San Putra to shut down for the time being.

A resident, Dayat, 21, said he had applied for a job at each of the three companies. "But, the companies always say they have no vacancies."

Tangerang Manpower Agency director Apon Suryana promised that he would seek clarification from the companies next week over the incident.

No company representatives were available for comment. --JP.