Medan workers take to the streets

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)