Workers protest over low pay

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Hundreds of workers of PT Sweet Indo Lampung protested outside the sugar producer's factory complex in Gedungmeneng, Tulangbawang on Tuesday.

The workers, who arrived in several trucks, were continuing their sometimes violent protest on Wednesday. Two cars and a truck were set on fire and several windows were broken inside the complex. Police on the scene have attempted to maintain peace.

The protesters are upset over low pay. They said the company paid them Rp 17,500 (US$2) per ton this year, down from Rp 25,000 per ton last year. Workers spend an average of Rp 17,000 on meals each day.

Heru Sapto, the head of the company's administrative affairs office, said the protest was the result of a miscommunication.

"The protesters think they are not getting paid (the same as last year) for cutting the sugar cane, while in fact they are," he said. -- JP