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)