Thousands demand wage hike

BOGOR: More than 7,000 employees of PT Great River International in Cibinong district, in Bogor regency, held a demonstration to demand wage hikes.

They started the rally on Thursday, and continued on Friday, urging the clothing company pay the new minimum wage of Rp 576,169, as set by the local government.

The workers could not accept the company's decision to increase the wage gradually because of declining orders.

The local government increased the minimum wage from Rp 417,000 to Rp 576,169, in January 2002.--JP