Violent labor rally harms RI image: SBY

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

Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Violence marred a massive protest organized Wednesday by the Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPSI), with dozens of workers and security personnel injured near the House of Representatives compound in Central Jakarta.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Jordan as part of a 10-day trip to secure investment from the Middle East, told the Indonesian community in Amman that he was ""concerned and disappointed"" by the violence, especially in the unfavorable image presented to investors.

The protesters were angered by what they considered an indifferent response of the legislature and government officials to their demand it guarantee it would reject any revisions to the 2003 Labor Law. They carried banners denouncing Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno, who commented Monday after peaceful May Day rallies that the law must be changed to attract business.

The protest descended into violence after the workers pushed down a steel fence surrounding the legislative compound. Hundreds of protesters from the estimated 50,000-strong gathering then pelted stones at security personnel and journalists, and set fire to several banners on a pedestrian overpass.

They were eventually dispersed with tear gas and water cannons.

At least three companies of the Police Mobile Brigade retaliated by hitting several buses used by the workers that were parked on the street. Arrested protesters also were seen beaten by security personnel who escorted them to the police post inside the compound.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said at least 14 protesters were arrested for public disorder in setting fire to tires and attacking police with rocks. He said an equal number of policemen were injured.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said those arrested would face prosecution. He also said the union leadership would be held responsible for damage to property.

""Harsh actions were taken when protesters committed anarchism that left two security personnel and two photographers injured,"" he said of the police response, adding it was ""in line with procedures"".

Similar rallies also were held by tens of thousands of workers in North Sumatra, as well as West, Central and East Java but they proceeded peacefully.

""It's a shame that the image we have built up has changed again,"" Yudhoyono said in Amman. ""The perception isn't favorable anymore. It seems pointless for me to travel the world ... telling investors that Indonesia is safe and welcomes investors.""

KSPSI deputy chairman Atika Karwa blamed the violence on non-labor union activists who provoked others in the crowd.

""We will conduct an internal investigation into the incident and take account of it.""

However, Atika said demonstrators were easily provoked because they were disappointed by the ""dissatisfying"" response of legislators and the government to their demands on May Day.

""We are not satisfied with the House leadership who only vow to reject revisions to the labor law.""

Before the clashes, Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno and Zainal Maarif, both deputy House speakers, told the protesters that state officials should not make controversial statements on the law revision to avoid inflaming the situation, an apparent reference to Kalla and Erman.

They also said the House would never endorse any legislation detracting from workers' rights. (10)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.