SBSI rejects manpower minister

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of people claiming to represent 21 branches of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) in the province rallied on Friday against the appointment of Bomer Pasaribu as the new manpower minister.

While marching to the provincial legislature, the crowd, which included activists from 30 non-governmental organizations here, shouted their opposition to Bomer's appointment.

"During the New Order regime he (Bomer) showed his opposition to the establishment of a free labor union," protest coordinator Timbul Simanungkalit said.

"He was also involved in the embezzlement of insurance company PT Jamsostek's workers' fund, which remains unresolved," he said.

The protest proceeded without incident and demonstrators dispersed later in the day. (39/edt)