Protest at Japan Embassy

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)