Minister denies violence during RI workers rally in Hong Kong

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 09/08/2008 2:57 PM | National

Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno denied any violence against RI workers rallying in front of the Consulate General of Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Hong Kong on Sunday.

"That's not true. No workers were beaten," he said Monday, as quoted by Kompas.com.

The rally was held by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU) in Hong Kong demanding stern action from the Indonesian government against workers extortion by agencies and employers.

The organization claimed KJRI had reacted violently against the rally, injuring demonstrators and holding one demonstrator hostage for an hour.

Erman explained that he was there when the KJRI hosted an Indonesian Day to celebrate Independence Day. He also saw nine female workers broke in the celebration bringing protest banners.

"The security reacted by escorting the demonstrator to prevent further disturbance, but the protester refused the action. But I didn't see any beating. That's a big lie,' said Erman.

IMWU said Sunday that since the consul general, Ferry Adamhar, had refused to apologize to workers, they were considering filing a lawsuit. (dre)

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