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Today is only a warm-up, labor activists say
Thousands of workers gathered in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, calling on the government to stop the economic slowdown and stem the inflow of foreign workers into the country
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housands of workers gathered in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, calling on the government to stop the economic slowdown and stem the inflow of foreign workers into the country.
'Today is only a warm-up. The actions to come will involve millions of workers. We invite workers from across the country to come here,' one speaker said from an open vehicle parked in front of the State Palace during rally.
The labor activists also expressed concern about the large possible inflow of workers when the ASEAN Economic Community starts late this year and the weakening of the rupiah that will negatively affect the lives of the workers.
They called on President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo to introduce policies to help the economy recover.
However, not all workers attended the speeches of the activists. Many of them preferred to sightsee at the National Monument (Monas) park or just gather to chat with one another as the labor activists delivered their speeches in front of the State Palace.
'We're just resting now,' said Riswandi, who added that he and his friends would return home at 5 p.m. as planned by the organizers.
Many other workers returned to their buses, which would take them to their respective factories or home. (bbn)(++++)
