INDONESIA: May Day rally draws 10,000

BY SUSAN AUSTIN

JAKARTA — About 10,000 people marched on May 1 in a colourful display of opposition to the anti-worker policies of the Indonesian government. Organised by the May Day Action Committee, the demonstration drew together contingents from many unions.

Among those participating were contingents from the FSP LEM (Trade Union Federation of Steel, Electronic and Metal Workers) and the FNPBI (Indonesian National Front for Labour Struggles). A new union called the IMWU (Indonesian Migrant Workers Union) also participated.

The unionists were joined outside the presidential palace by a contingent of students from various organisations.

The protesters raised four main issues — removal of the new labour laws, reduction of prices on nine basic commodities, rejection of President Megawati Sukarnoputri's "puppet government of imperialism", and solidarity among the workers and the poor of the Third World.

Organisers believe that the action was bigger than last year and included a broader section of the student movement. Following the radicalisation over fuel and other price rises in January, the May Day Action Committee members this year agreed to raise direct political issues, not just economic/labour demands.

The Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI), the former government-sponsored trade union federation, held a separate action outside the parliament building in Jakarta and a section of the student movement, including the Muslim student organisation KAMI rallied outside Megawati's residence.

May Day actions were held in other cities throughout Indonesia. Seven activists were arrested for distributing leaflets in Bandung, but were later released after paying money to the police.

From Green Left Weekly, May 7, 2003.

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From GLW issue 536