Man makes oath of silence

JAKARTA (JP): A 36-year-old man in Tangerang has made an oath of silence to last 50 days to demonstrate his concern over corruption, soaring paper and cement prices, as well as the suppression of the freedom of expression.

Hesti Prabowo, father of a three-year-old girl, started his demonstration at his home in Periuk Jaya Permai on Wednesday.

He wrote on two pieces of paper, "I will demonstrate until Aug. 16. On Aug. 17, I will end this action by shouting Freedom, Freedom!"

On Aug. 17, Indonesia commemorates its 50th Independence Day.

Hesti, who has just lost his job in a plastic factory near his home for defending his fellow workers, is fed rice by his wife and daughter. Media Indonesia newspaper reported yesterday.

Hesti also deplores the dismissal of dozens of workers from the company simply because they demanded that the company respect their basic rights such as better pay and better treatment. (pan)