Workers stage rally in Semarang

SEMARANG (JP): About 2,500 workers staged a demonstration on Saturday at the Central Java governor's office in conjunction with International Labor Day, which fell on May 1.

Governor Mardiyanto was seen among the workers, and said he supported the peaceful rally.

The workers, who came from various areas in Central Java, displayed hundreds of posters and banners and also held free speech forums.

They demanded that wages be raised to at least Rp 300,000 per month and rejected possible dismissals, which have been rampant since the economic crisis. They also demanded firm action against harsh treatment and violence against workers.

They also demanded an end to military intervention in labor affairs. A ministerial instruction justifying military intervention in labor action in cases of possible destruction has been revoked.

Other demands were for the establishment of an independent labor court instead of the present one under the Ministry of Manpower. Workers also demanded further investigation into the death of Surabaya-based labor activist Marsinah. The case of the worker, who was killed in 1993, was closed following an outcry over retraction of testimonies based on torture.

The workers appealed for their colleagues to make the coming elections a success, but stressed their freedom of choice as they now refused to be forced to support any party.

Governor Mardiyanto promised he would try to help them realize their hopes for higher wages.

"To raise the minimum regional wage we must take into account the economic reality nowadays," he said. Any benefits gained by companies should be shared by workers. (har)