Workers warned on third parties

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin called on workers yesterday not to be influenced by others who encourage them to join strikes or demonstrations.

Sjafrie said certain people or groups have exploited several shortcomings in development programs -- including the gap between the rich and poor -- to discredit the government.

"These people or groups have tried to influence workers on welfare issues by using a very attractive language," he said at a meeting of hundreds of workers from at least 152 companies in Bekasi.

"The ultimate aim behind this, however, is to further their own interests, namely to get support from workers to disturb the country's stability and security," he said, without naming names.

Yesterday's meeting was held at PT Coca Cola Amatil Indonesia's plant in Cibitung, Bekasi, with the aim of ensuring mutual cooperation between military personnel, employers and workers.

It was hoped that the meeting would prevent future threats, disturbances and challenges which could damage stability and security, he said.

In many cases, Sjafrie said strikes, demonstrations and other mass action were usually manipulated by certain groups whose political views were antigovernment.

"We have seen that the number of worker strikes and demonstrations tend to increase in both quality and quantity," he said. "We have to be alert to this matter."

A dispute between workers and employers about many issues -- including wages, meal allowances, workers insurance -- constituted an ordinary part of the company's management process, he admitted.

But if the dispute could be discussed and settled in an amicable way, then strikes and demonstrations, which caused both parties hardship, were not needed, he said.

"The most important thing is that employers have to take care of their workers who, in return, are expected to help protect their employers."

Sjafrie acknowledged that people were facing difficult times due to the monetary crisis which had pushed up the prices of everyday needs.

"We should not deal with the problem emotionally because all of us are affected," he said. "The country, companies and workers are all suffering because of it.

"So, it is unwise to demand individual rights from companies without thinking about the problem. On the other hand, it's not wise to reduce workers' welfare rights either."

Sjafrie said the monetary issue coupled with others, including a rumor about an increase in fuel prices, could also be used by these groups to support their position.

He said the military command, through its military districts and military subdistricts, will conduct early detection and preventive action if it sees a problem becoming destructive.

"We will take stern action against the groups who try to disturb stability and security," he said.

When asked whether he will apply the "shot-on-sight" policy to deal with people involved in demonstrations ahead of next year's General Assembly of the People's Consultative Assembly, Sjafrie said: "That's the last resort.

"But I will do my best to safeguard that important event without the shoot-on-sight policy." (jun)