Union executives testified

Union executives testified

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two local executives of the SBSI rebel union testified against their chairman Muchtar Pakpahan, saying that he sent circulars from Jakarta calling for a general strike.

Hayati, treasurer of SBSI Medan, said in the trial against Muchtar that the circular was sent by registered mail and then the local SBSI office made copies of it for distribution to workers in Medan, the Antara news agency reported.

Fatiwanolo Zega, vice secretary of Medan SBSI, in a separate testimony also said that Muchtar had once urged for a general strike but pointed out that it was within their rights and the best way for workers to express their demands.

Muchtar is being tried in connection with the workers' April riot which left one businessman dead and dozens of factories damaged. The government prosecutors have charged Muchtar with inciting workers to commit violence. (emb)