Soldiers fire rubber bullets

BEKASI (JP): Protesting employees of steel manufacturer PT Gunung Garuda in Kampung Tengsi, in Cibitung, (left photo) clashed with military personnel yesterday, prompting the soldiers to shoot at least 20 of them with rubber bullets.

The injured were immediately rushed to Bhakti Husada hospital at Cikarang for treatment.

The shooting happened at midday when 150 members of the Army Strategic Reserves Command and artillery units were confronted by about 2,000 angry workers threatening to destroy the firm's factory.

They reportedly opened fire at the protesters after warnings and warning shots were ignored.

No fatalities were reported. Three officers suffered light injuries after being pelted with stones by the mob.

The workers had earlier rallied in front of the factory complex, demanding the establishment of a workers union, the improvement of their social welfare and the establishment of boardinghouses for workers.

A director of the factory, Chairuddin, said that he had approved most of the demands. But the tension heightened in the afternoon when one employee, identified as Atemana, entered the building and clocked in. He was booed and attacked by the protesters.

Some soldiers intervened to separate the angry protesters and secure Atemana. Later the mob threw stones at the soldiers and invaded the complex.

On seeing the approaching mob, the soldiers fired warning shots to disperse the workers and then closed the gates.

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his aides, including his chief of staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi and City Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji, visited the scene. (ivy/oby)