Rally gets out of hand

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 05/04/2006 11:12 AM

Unlike mostly peaceful labor rallies held Monday to mark May Day, the demonstrations Wednesday turned ugly when protesters pushed down a metal fence at the House of Representatives and pelted police with anything they could get their hands on.

The police responded by firing tear gas and water cannons at the tens of thousands of workers, who were rallying against government plans to revise the 2003 Labor Law that business says is too pro-labor.

The police cordoned off a number of streets around the House compound, causing massive traffic jams and catching many people unawares. The jams were exacerbated when protesters blocked the turnpike in front of the House.

After tearing down the fence to enter the compound, the protesters demanded to meet legislators to seek confirmation they would oppose any revisions to the labor law.

Several lawmakers, including House Deputy Speaker Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, used a loud speaker to address the crowd, assuring them his party would oppose changes.

Legislators from parties supporting the government stance on revising the law counter there is no guarantee the House will unite in rejecting changes. --JP

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