Traders demand security assurance

Traders demand security assurance

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of market trader representatives urged
the government yesterday to guarantee security in Tanah Abang
market in Central Jakarta to enable traders to do business
safely.

The representatives expressed their demands at the National
Commission on Human Rights yesterday.

"We want the government to give us protection," said Syamsul
Jakaria, spokesman of the delegation.

Syamsul said most of the traders working at Tanah Abang
market, which is known as one of the major textile trading
centers in the city, were hurt by last month's riots.

They also frequently fall victim to groups of hoodlums who
extort money from them, he said.

The traders also deplored agitation by certain parties who
asked workers to conduct massive strikes. We are afraid that such
agitation could trigger fresh riots, Syamsul said.

"What we want now is to feel secure and have security
guaranteed to enable us to do business," he said.

The traders were received by commission members, Clementino
dos Reis Amaral and B.N. Marbun, who promised to convey their
demands to the relevant parties. (jun)