Two activists arrested for leading protest
Two activists arrested for leading protest
JAKARTA (JP): Two labor activists were arrested yesterday for
organizing a demonstration to press their demand that the
government raise the daily minimum wage to Rp 7,000.
The two, Dita Sari and Wilson from the Center for Indonesian
Workers' Struggle (PPBI) led about 50 worker activists to stage a
peaceful protest to the manpower ministry.
The demonstration, organized in connection with World Labor
Day, which falls on May 1, was forcibly dispersed despite the
Manpower Minister Abdul Latief's repeated promises that he will
listen to protesters' demand.
The banner-waving protesters demanded that the government
raise the standard daily minimum wage at Rp 7,000 nationwide and
guarantee freedom of union.
They also demanded that the military kick its habit of
meddling in labor disputes.
"Why are you dragging us to the police station? We're not
doing anything wrong, are we? We are here to fight for workers'
welfare," Dita protested to the police officers who escorted her
to a waiting car.
"You are here representing your own interests. We need you for
questioning," Sgt. Hasanuddin told Dita.
The government has set the minimum daily wage, across the
country, to between Rp 2,800 and Rp 4,750 but labor activists,
notably those of the unrecognized Prosperous Labor Union demand
that the minimum wage be set at Rp 7,000.
Rini, an employee of PT Electro in Tangerang, West Java, said
all workers in the company were "under oppression" and barred
from striking and establishing an independent union.
"We find that our salaries are not adequate to meet our daily
needs. We are forced to work under pressure and receive no meal
allowance," she said.
Dita, the PPBI secretary general, claimed that workers,
especially those in the manufacturing sector, have been
practically exploited.
"Despite economic booming, a majority of workers are still
living in poverty. They are being treated like machines in their
work place. Many of them are too poor to send their children to
school," she said, adding that working conditions in Indonesia
are among the worst in Asia, even in the world.
She said that the bad labor conditions in the country should
be seen as indications that the government has no commitment to
improve workers' welfare and livelihood.
The demonstration was jointly organized by PPBI and the
Solidarity of Indonesian Students for Democracy. (rms)