Kamra members get severance pay

Kamra members get severance pay

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Some 300 members of the People's Security
(Kamra) of the Sleman regency enjoyed Rp 1 million each in
severance pay on Friday, thanks to governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono
X's prompt help.

The Kamra members, who arrived on motorcycles, stormed the
gubernatorial office complex in Kepatihan, demanding that the
governor help them get the severance pay as soon as possible.

"It is now Friday. If we don't get the money today, that means
we will have to wait until January 2, 2001. We need the money for
lebaran (Idul Fitri)," Rubiyanto, Kamra coordinator told the
Sultan.

The Kamra members also asked the Sultan to help them get new
jobs. "We have been informed that 17,000 Kamra members will be
employed as civil servants. Therefore we want to confirm if it is
true," Rubiyanto inquired.

"Frankly speaking, I am not well informed about that. But, one
thing for sure is that the regional government of Yogyakarta
itself has an ample number of civil servants. Therefore, I'm
doubtful whether all Kamra members could be employed as civil
servants," the Sultan said.

The Sultan, therefore, suggested that all former Kamra members
think about working as security guards in private offices. "That
will enable you to earn as much money (Rp 250,000 per month) as
you get as Kamra members," the Sultan said.

The Sultan, whose affection for his people is renowned,
received the Kamra members at the Bangsal Kepatihan Hall, and
immediately called the Yogyakarta Police chief Brig. Gen. Logan
Siagian by phone conveying the Kamra members' wishes.

The Kamra members dispersed peacefully after the Sultan
assured them that they all could receive their due salaries at
the Sleman Police Precinct as promised by the Police chief.

Tired of frequent protests by Kamra members, the government
finally decided on Thursday to dissolve Kamra and provide each
member with Rp 1 million, four times their monthly salary.

Kamra members nationwide have expressed frustration over their
fate as their contract with the (then) Ministry of Defense and
Security expires at the end of this year.

They have frequently demonstrated at the House of
Representatives (DPR), demanding that the government provide them
with employment or allow them to become members of the Police
Force.

Established in 1998, Kamra members were recruited to help the
military, including the police, maintain security throughout the
country.

Kamra members were employed to serve for one year, with a
maximum extension period of one year. Their period of service
will end on Dec. 31, 2000. (swa)