The struggle continues

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 05/05/2006 11:51 AM

The peaceful celebration of May Day on Monday was definitely not a sign demonstrations planned for later in the week would be quiet.

Workers are protesting against any revisions to the 2003 Labor Law.

Legislators made them an empty promise, that they would oppose the revision, since no official statement was issued to support it.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla even ""challenged"" the workers by saying the government would not change its stance to revise the law as it was inevitable to invigorate the economy.

On Wednesday, workers staged another rally to seek confirmation from the House of Representatives that it would oppose any revisions to the law.

Gone was the orderliness of Monday's protest. The protest descended into violence after workers destroyed property and set fire to banners, tires and timber.

The Jakarta administration has estimated losses at Rp 1 billion (US$111,111), largely born by turnpike operator PT Jasa Marga, which had to close toll gates because the road was taken up by the protesters.

Massive rallies are a huge inconvenience for people stuck in traffic but, for the workers, they show they are not alone. (01)

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