Minister relieves himself of noise

JAKARTA (JP): The racket from hundreds of protesting workers on the ground floor of the Ministry of Manpower has finally forced Minister Fahmi Idris to take all his work into the toilet of his office.

"I have no choice but to work at the W.C. Just imagine that I have to sign documents inside the john because it's the only available soundproof place," the minister was quoted by Antara as saying here on Tuesday.

Fahmi's office is on the second floor, directly above where the workers of three different companies have held noisy free speech forums and beat out rhythms on five-gallon mineral water bottles.

The ministry is located on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta.

The minister admitted also to concerns over the workers' demands for, among other things, fair payment and insurance cover from their employers. He promised to work to meet their demands.

The protesting workers include those from flight catering company PT Aerowisata and pump manufacturer PT Arsimelin Megah Industri, who have rallied at the minister's office since last Friday.

The minister called on the companies to help settle the dispute as soon as possible.

"If the companies are not able to meet their obligation, just tell the workers... but please don't tell lies to them," Fahmi said.

The minister also suggested to the protesters' coordinator, activist Dita Sari, to lead the workers to protest at their respective companies instead of at his office. (bsr)