Protest at Japan Embassy

JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen people, who claimed to be members of an organization called the United Revolutionary Continuance of 1966 Struggle (KPP'66), staged a protest rally in front of the Japanese Embassy yesterday.

The organization's chief, Leopold Rotinsulu, said they were protesting against Japanese complaints to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about Indonesia's national car policy.

Japan and the European Union have lodged complaints with the WTO over the discriminatory treatment given to Indonesia's national car project, Timor. The United States recently followed suit.

The protesters asked to see the ambassador, but since he was not available, they were received by Nomura, a first secretary.

According to Rotinsulu, Nomura said that Japan would not bring up the car issue with the WTO.

"Mr. Nomura said that his government promises not to intervene in the national car project, instead they would like to help in the transfer of automotive technology to Indonesia," he said.

The protesters carried banners saying "Tommy, the pioneer of the national car" and "We love national products".

The protest was the second against the Japanese government this week, the other was staged by a different group. (12)