Labor activists held over street rally
JAKARTA (JP): Four labor activists were arrested yesterday for staging a rally on a busy street in Central Jakarta, protesting skyrocketing prices of basic essentials and demanding the government increase workers' wages.
During their brief protest on Jl. MH Thamrin, more than a dozen activists waved posters which, among others, called for the release of jailed labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan, chairman of the unrecognized Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI).
The protest was later dispersed by dozens of armed police who arrived in front of the busy Sarinah department store.
The four arrested activists were taken to the city police headquarters for questioning.
The four were identified as Kuldiv Singh, who claimed responsibility for the street protest, Farahdiba Agust, 23, Wandi Nikodemus, 22, and Widi, 26.
Before they were taken away, they shouted: "Hidup rakyat. Merdeka (Long live the people. Freedom)."
During the protest which drew the attention of passersby and people boarding buses at the nearby bus stop in front of the department store, Farahdiba said: "We want lower prices of goods and labor layoffs stopped."
She also called on the government to eradicate nepotism, corruption and collusion, saying they dragged down the country's economy.
"We also demand Muchtar Pakpahan be released and the SBSI be recognized as a show of the country's freedom to assemble," she said.
Pakpahan is currently serving a four-year jail term for inciting labor unrest in North Sumatra province in 1994.
Pakpahan, who is being treated at a Jakarta hospital for a benign lung tumor, is also being tried for subversion in relation to rioting here in July 1996.
Farahdiba's fellow activists called on the government to raise this year's workers' minimum regional wages which have been put on hold since the economic crisis hit the country last year.
By government regulation, minimum regional wages are increased annually and take effect in April. But the government has agreed to suspend the wage rises due to the deepening economic crisis.
Minimum wages differ from one area to another. The minimum monthly wage in Greater Jakarta, for example, is Rp 172,000.
Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the activists could be charged with Article 510 of the Criminal Code which carries a maximum penalty of two week's imprisonment or a Rp 150 fine.
"What they have done was a violation. They conducted unauthorized mass activity or a demonstration on the street," he said.
He said people who wanted to stage activities in public places, including on the street, must first obtain permission from the authorities.
Aritonang said the four were still being questioned late yesterday afternoon. (cst/aan)