Soldiers fire rubber bullets

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)