Medan workers take to the streets
MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Some 11,000 workers marched to the Governor's Office yesterday in a protest demanding an official investigation to the death of one of their colleagues last month.
One estimate put the number of demonstrators at 11,000 but the Antara news agency put the number of demonstrators at nearly 20,000. They were made up of workers from 24 different factories in Medan and Deli Serdang.
There were no incidents during the six-hour demonstration although there was a strong presence of security officers around the major roads that lead to the Merdeka Square, which is located in front of the Governor's Office.
Their actions crippled many local factories and brought the traffic in Central Medan to a complete standstill.
"We demand to see Governor Raja Inal Siregar," said one protester. "It's seems pointless to talk to anybody else because they never listen."
The workers demanded higher salaries, that their right to organize be observed, and that the military to stop interfering in labor disputes or siding with management.
They also demanded the recognition for the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), an independent organization which is challenging the government-backed All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI).
But their main point of contention was the unexplained death of 22-year old Rusli last month, a worker of PT Industri Karet Deli, after he took part in a labor strike that was busted when troops were sent in.
Rusli's body was found floating in a river three days after the strike on March 11.
Some reports say that he tripped and fell into the river during the commotion but some workers were not content with the explanation, alleging that he may have been taken and then beaten to death.
The workers demanded that an official inquiry be held and the result announced as soon as possible.
The absence of any official report from police after more than one month has fueled speculations of a cover up attempt.
Col. Atmono of the North Sumatra Bakorstanasda, the provincial branch of the internal security agency, met with the protesters and gave his assurances that the agency will look into their complaints.
"But give us proof and evidence," Atmono said.
His statement was corroborated by A. Silitonga, head of the North Sumatra Manpower office. "The security officers are still investigating the matter. Just give them time."
The protesters also demanded that the governor help restore 360 workers who were dismissed by their firm, PT Korek Api Deli, last February. (rmn/prs)