Sunday, May 29, 2011

Electoral participation could drop to 60 percent by 2014

Kompas - May 29, 2011
Jakarta – The number of floating voters is tending to increase. This can be seen not just from the decline in participation levels in elections between 1999 and 2009, but the political parties in general would be unable to hold on to their constituents if an election was held today.

This was revealed by Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) researcher Saiful Mujani on Sunday May 29 in Jakarta. The participation levels in elections between 1999 and 2009 have declined. If this trend is linear, in the next five years participation levels will decline to 60 percent. The decline in electoral participation of 20 percent in just a decade, according to Saiful, indicates the weakness of the relationship between the political parties and their constituents.

This conclusion is supported by the results of an LSI survey on May 10-25 of 1,220 respondents with a margin of error of 2.9 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent. Only the Golkar Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the United Development Party (PPP) will be able to maintain their constituents. More than 70 percent of these three parties' voters – 74.5 percent for the PPP, 75.4 percent for the PDI-P and 77.5 percent for Golkar – will not change their choice of vote.

Only 54.5 percent of voters will continue to vote for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's ruling Democrat Party. Voter loyalty for the medium size parties such as the Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) and the National Awakening Party (PKB), is only 51-63 percent.

Based on this survey, the Democrat Party will still be able to win an election, but its vote share would shrink to just 18.9 percent. Although it still received the highest vote in the survey, Democrat voters are very unreliable. Conversely, Golkar voters are more stable compared with PDI-P and the Democrat Party. Saiful said however that the Golkar Party will not be able to attract now voters while the PDI-P will be able to maintain its long-term constituency as well as attract additional voters.

University of Indonesia political psychology professor Hamdi Muluk believes that the electability of parties and political party leaders in Indonesia is not just determined by their closeness to people or information in the lead up to elections. Very few voters identify themselves with a particular political party, and this is why the popularity is such a determining factor.

Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI) researcher Lili Romli added that the political parties in Indonesia are extremely unhealthy. Cadreisation is not functioning, recruitment is 'instant' and the political parties are unable to represent the ordinary people. Political oligarchies are growing stronger and the parties are controlled by elite dynasties.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Selling Suharto's New Order 'successes' misleading

Kompas - May 25, 2011
Jakarta – The tales of the New Order regime's successes, which are being used as a selling point for the Golkar Party, are misleading. Golkar cannot just claim to be an important part of the New Order's successes, but must also concede that it is responsible for the bankruptcy of Indonesia and all of the crimes committed by the New Order regime.

Speaking in Jakarta on Monday May 23, the coordinator of the parliamentary watchdog Forum of Concerned Citizens for Indonesia's Parliament (Formappi), Sebastian Salang said, "The people cannot of course be blamed for missing the New Order era. People are making this assessment based on what is happening today so perhaps they say that Suharto is better than SBY (President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono). But if this is being used as a political selling point it is also misleading. It is an error to use this as a selling point for the 2014 elections".

In a speech commemorating National Awakening Day in the Serdang Bedagai regency in North Sumatra on Friday last week, Golkar Party general chairperson Aburizal Bakrie said that several recent surveys have found that quite a lot of people miss the stability, firmness and fast pace of development in the past, particularly during the New Order period.

According to Bakrie, Golkar understands this longing for the past. "In fact, the Golkar Party is actually an important part of these past successes. Because of this, if necessary, [we] are willing and able to repeat these past successes, by of course absorbing the spirit of the period and accommodating a new development that is better", he said.

Research professor Ikrar Nusa Bhakti from the Indonesian Institute of Science's Center for Political Studies (PPP-LIPI) said that Golkar must also be deemed to have succeeded in bankrupting Indonesia and castrating all of the social organisations during the New Order period. Claiming the successes of the New Order is to completely ignore what actually happened. "Golkar, which considered itself to be a functional group, not a political party, succeeded in becoming the backbone of the New Order and its authoritarianism, and making it impossible for the Indonesian people to be free to assemble and join a trade union", he said.

According to Bhakti, what is even worse, Golkar should take responsibility for the bankruptcy of the Indonesian economy when it was hit by the 1997 monitory crisis, which marked the beginning of the fall of Suharto.

"It has to be remembered that that the [New Order's] political stability was because the military moved into all spheres of political life while the successful economic growth was through the total depletion of Indonesia's natural wealth. The current economic foundations are fragile because [economic growth] was built upon foreign debt from the World Bank and the IMF, who also allowed corruption to proliferate. If the economic foundations of the New Order had been strong, [Indonesia] would not of course have been hit by the flow on from the 1997 economic crisis. Golkar is responsible for the bankruptcy of Indonesia", he said.

Golkar Party General Secretary Lalu Mara Satriawangsa said that regardless of what was said by Bakrie in his speech, it was actually only a desire to take what good from the past and pass this on. "What is inadequate, well yes improve it. That there were good things in the past cannot be denied", he said.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Liberalisation leading to foreign control of food sector

Kompas - May 25, 2011
Jakarta – Foreign penetration through multi-national companies in the food sector is increasing and spreading. Foreign companies in Indonesia don't just control trade, but have spread into upstream activities such as agricultural production, covering seed and medicines, through to the processing, packing, trade, transportation and the retail industry.

This was revealed by research professor Husein Sawi from the Agricultural Department's Agricultural Research and Development Agency on Tuesday May 24 in Jakarta.

Husein said that liberalisation in the trade and industrial sector had provided an opportunity to foreigners to increase their markets in Indonesia, as well as other developing countries. "They have moved like a single packet. As soon as liberalisation opened up they took control of every line", he said.

Initially they went into trading. In order to guarantee the supply of goods, they then moving into production. In order to increase the volume of production, they took control of the seed industry and created a dependency.

If that was not enough, they moved further into processing industries though the acquisition of national companies. In order to ensure that their products sold, foreign companies have got into the retail sector.

The agricultural input industries are supplied by only 10 multi-national companies (MNC) with a sales turnover of as much as US$40 billion [annually]. Five of biggest of these companies are Syngenta, Monsanto, Bayer Crop, BASF AG and Dow Agro.

Conversely, farmers still depend on the processing industries and food traders. Ten big MNCs control food sales valued at US$409 billion including Nestle, Cargill, ADM, Unilever and Kraft Foods.

Indonesia has fallen into the grip of the global network of MNC, particularly the largest ones such as Nestle, which controls the global cocoa trade, Cargill that controls the livestock feed trade and Unilever, which controls processed food.

The world's food retail sector is also controlled by MNC such as Wal-Mart, Metro Group, Tesco, Seven & I Holdings and Carrefour.

Husein revealed that many local food products have been sold to foreign companies such as Danone (France), Unilever (Holland), Nestle (Swiss), Coca Cola (US), HJ Heinz (US), Campbell's (US), Numico (Holland) and Philip Morris (US).

Agricultural Minister Suswono revealed earlier that the politics of agro-industry policies in Indonesia are controlled by a particular group, which has strong access and lobbying powers, not just within the government, but also in the legislator.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Monday, May 23, 2011

Strategic economic sectors dominated by foreign interests

Kompas - May 23, 2011
Jakarta – Foreign domination of strategic economic sectors is spreading and deepening. It has been suggested that the government reorganised strategic economic development so the benefits are more evenly felt by the ordinary people and greater competitiveness in the face of global competition.

Foreign domination has become progressively stronger in strategic sectors such as energy and mineral resources, telecommunication and the plantation sector. With this kind of foreign domination, the economy often appears to have been hijacked by their interests.

As of March 2011, foreign interests controlled 50.6 percent of national banking assets. Accordingly, around 1,551 trillion rupiah of the country's total banking assets of 3,065 trillion rupiah are controlled by foreigners. Foreign ownership continues to grow slowing but surely. As of June 2008, foreign ownership was only 47.02 percent.

Only 15 banks control an 85 percent share of the market. Foreign interests already own some of these 15 banks. Out of a total of 121 commercial banks, 47 are owned by foreigners in varied portions.

And it is not just the banking. Insurance is also dominated by foreigners. Out of the 45 life insurance companies operating in Indonesia, less than half are fully owned by Indonesia. If grouped, of the life insurance companies with equities above 750 billion rupiah, all are joint venture businesses. In terms of premium earnings, the five largest are foreign companies.

This also needs to be understood in terms of government regulations that are extremely liberal, allowing foreign interests to own up to 99 percent of shares in the banking sector and 80 of shares in insurance companies.

The capital market is similar. Total foreign investor ownership is 60-70 percent and all of the company shares recorded and traded on the stock market.

This is also the case for former state-owned enterprises (SOE). Out of all the SOEs that have been privatised, foreign ownership has already reached 60 percent.

The oil and gas sector is even more tragic again. The proportion of national oil and gas operators is only around 25 percent while the remaining 75 percent is controlled by foreign interests. The government, through the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources is aiming for a 50 percent proportion to be operated by national companies by 2025.

Economic strategy

Reflecting on this situation, it is time that Indonesian's economic revival driven by its own national strengths be rethought. Strategic economic development must be reorganised so that it is more orientated toward resource empowerment and above all allocated towards the national interest.

Indonesia does not need to apply anti-foreign strategic economic development but rather the presence of foreigners being a compliment to efforts to empower and revive the national economy.

This kind of thinking was raised by a number of groups when asked for their views about the current situation and efforts to revive the Indonesian economy and in relation to the commemoration of National Awakening Day on May 20 last week. Those who were asked for their views were former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, economist Didik J. Rachbini, House of Representatives member Arif Budimanta and people from business circles.

The current economic situation in Indonesia can also be seen from the poverty rate that has tended to flatten out without any significant decline, the still high level of unemployment and the gross domestic product that is only enjoyed by and contributed to by a handful of people. The character of the Indonesian economy has also not changed greatly when compared with the Dutch colonial period. Exports are still dominated by primary commodities while the manufacturing sector is showing signs of deindustrialisation (See Deindustrialisation, Phase 2).

Reevaluation

Indonesia's strategic economic development polices do not have to be anti-foreign as is the case in Latin America. Although foreign participation to stimulate the economy is still needed, it should not dominate the economy.

Arif Budimanta believes that the government must have the courage to reevaluate economic policies as a consequence of the signing of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1997. The banking sector must be organised more exclusively, tariffs and import duties on strategic commodities need to be revised and natural resource management work contracts renegotiated (energy and mining).

Jusuf Kalla said that said that Indonesian's economy does indeed need more clarity and direction in order for it to benefit domestic interests. This will require increasing national economic competitiveness, prioritising natural resources, particularly energy, for the national interests. Only the surplus should be exported.

He added the main steps must be begun systematically and consistently. He gave the example of rice self-sufficiency in 2008, but the following year the country was importing rice again. Likewise with military equipment, such as armoured vehicles, than can be produced domestically.

"This is because we have been inconsistent in pursuing successful policies. So, don't forget our strengths, you want the easy way, better to import rice that work hard", said Kalla.

Foreign ownership in Indonesia

Mining (2011)
 
National
25 percent
Foreign
75 percent
  • In May 2009, out of the 69.9 percent domination of the oil and gas industry, around 70 percent of this is US
  • In 2025 the government is aiming for a 50 percent proportion of national operators
Banking - Foreign ownership of assets totalling Rp3,065 trillion
 
As of June 2008
47.02 percent
As of March 2011
50.6 percent
Palm oil industry
 
Company
Plantation area (hectares, as of 2005)

Guthri Bhd (Malaysia)
167,908
Wilmar International Group (Singapore)
85,000
Hindoli-Cargill (US)
63,455
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (Malaysia)
45,714
SIPEF Group (Belgium)
30,952
Golden Hope Group (Malaysia)
12,810
Telecommunication
 
Foreign ownership
Percent
SmartFren Telcom
23.91
Telkomsel
35.0
Hutchinson
60.0
Indosat
70.14
XL Axiata
80.0
Natrindo
95.0

Source: Kompas research and development, based on respective company websites, the Indonesian stock exchange, the Directorate General for Plantations, and Komaps reports.

[Abridged translated by James Balowski.]

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Residents protest arrest of sex workers, violence by public order officers

Yogya Tribune - May 19, 2011
Bakti Buwono Budiastyo, Bantul – Scores of people from Parangkusumo beach in Bantul district, south of the Central Java city of Yogyakarta, besieged the Bantul regent's office on the early hours of Thursday May 19. At around 1.30am they gave speeches and conveyed their demands in front of the office of the Number 1 person in Bantul.

"We [are] here to demand that the eight residents of Parangkusumo who were arrested by public order agency officers (Satpol PP) must be released immediately", shouted the coordinator of the action from Free Women (Perempuan Mahardika) and the Parangtritis People's Alliance Against Evictions (ARMP), Aslihul Fahmi Alia.

The action was marred by tensions when the demonstrators tried to force they way through the entrance gate guarded by PP Satpol officers. The attempt stopped when several local residents, who had been disturbed by the action which had being going on since early morning, arrived unexpectedly and approached the protesters.

The angry residents told the demonstrators to disburse. "[You're] disturbing us, why [are you] demonstrating for middle of the night. Don't [you] know the regulations", shouted a Wintolo (40), a resident of Purahan (sic), Krajan, Bantul. The altercation lasted for around 30 minutes after which local residents made the protesters disburse and return to Parangkusumo.

The protest action was linked to a raid on commercial sex workers (PSK) by Satpol PP officers on Wednesday May 15 at 10pm in Parangkusumo. During the raid, local people resisted with several residents waylaying a Satpol PP vehicle.

Of the 10 sex workers netted in the raid, two were rescued from the Satpol PP officers by the crowd. According to Aslihul, the Satpol PP officers acted in an anarchic manner, injuring several local people who tried to block their way.

"Several of the victims who were injured have already reported to the police (Kretek sectoral police – Ed.)", she said. Watin, another Parangkusumo resident, they would be coordinating again with their colleagues to decide on what follow up action to take.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Activists turned politicians yet to make their mark

Kompas - May 14, 2011
M Hernowo – Case of human rights violations that took place around the time of the fall of the New Order regime have still not been fully resolved. Moreover President Suharto's decision on May 21, 1998 to release his grip on the reigns power, which he held for 32 years, has been taken advantage of by some groups.

Among those who benefited from Suharto's resignation 13 years ago were former activists who fought against the New Order regime. The political space that opened up during the reformasi era provided opportunities to these activists to move more freely, such as becoming members of the House of Representatives (DPR), political party leaders and member of the government.

Moreover, these activists became part of a new Indonesian generation in the political, social and economic arena. They include, among others, Budiman Sudjatmiko, the former general chairperson of the People's Democratic Party (PRD) who is now a lawmaker and member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction in parliament. One of Sudjatmiko's colleagues in the PRD, Andi Arief, is now a special staff member to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Two victims of the abduction of activists in 1997-98, Pius Lustrilanang and Desmond J. Mahesa, have also become DPR members from the Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra). Among others, Gerindra was established by Suharto's former son-in-law Prabowo Subianto, who was dismissed from the army's elite Special Forces (Kopassus) after it was declared that he was involved in the abduction of these activists. Anas Urbaningrum, the general chairperson of the Islamic Students Association (HMI) in 1997-1999 has even become the general chairperson of Yudhoyono's ruling Democrat Party.

Mugiyanto, also a former member of the PRD and one of the victims of the 1997-98 abductions, who to this day is still fighting to discover the whereabouts of 13 of his colleagues who are still missing, said there are two reasons why his colleagues became involved in practical politics. First, it was triggered by exhaustion from building the movement. This resulted in some former activists becoming involved in politics without looking at the background of their political partners. Second, because there was a desire to continue the ideals of reformasi.

If asked about their reasons for becoming involved in practical politics, former 1998 activists generally answer that it is to carry on the agenda of reformasi, such as creating an administration that is free of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). "Practical politics is one of the ways to struggle, to fight for ideals. The struggle must also be carried out from within the system, not just from outside the system", said Sudjatmiko.

Within the DPR, Sudjatmiko has been fighting for things that were of concern to him when he was a student, such as agrarian reform. He is also actively fighting for the village law, which he is convinced is one of the ways to empower communities.

Other former 1997-98 activists who are now in the DPR are known for having other concerns. Lustrilanang, who is now the Deputy Chairperson of DPR's Household Affairs Committee (BURT) has become known through the house's plan to construct a new parliamentary building, which has created such heated public controversy of late. Former 1998 activist Fahri Hamzah, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the DPR's Commission III on law and security affairs from the Prosperity and Justice Party (PKS), is known for his courageous stand on law enforcement in Indonesia [he was one of the strongest proponents of the divisive 2008 anti-pornography law – JB].

Sudjatmiko concedes that there have been many "political roads" taken by his former 1997-98 colleagues in struggle. However the diversity of paths is quite normal and has not given rise to animosities.

Public profile

M. Qodari, a political observer from Indo Barometer, said that the political performance of some former 1997-98 activists have indeed become known by the public. This is related to their ability to manage issues and speak, which was obtained from their experience as activists.

"In general however, their presence has yet to provide new political colour in Indonesia. They still tend to follow and have yet to influence their political party's policies. As a consequence, as a group their presence is still relatively similar to politicians who emerged from other backgrounds, such as business people, professionals, even celebrities", he said.

This has occurred because in general these former activists have yet to hold central positions in their political parties. "Anas is indeed the Democrat Party's general chairperson. However there is still a debate about weather he holds real power in the party", said Qodari.

This situation is even more difficult because these former activists must compete with other politicians who often have more experience and capital. "Reformasi has allowed the old [political] figures to continue to exist. This is different from the events of 1966 [when Suharto and the military seized power]. Then there was a complete break with the old regime", said Qodari.

Haris Azhar, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), even likens practical political practices to an octopus that is it is slippery and large. As a consequence, many of the former activists have ended up being enslaved or have lost their way thought their involvement in politics.

In addition to creating exhaustion, this situation has also started to make some former activists think practically or pragmatically after they become involved in politics. Moreover, the world of politics is not cheap in economic terms, although it promises many things.

It is unwise however for these challenges to become grounds for former activists to "surrender" to politics.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Protesters say 'marijuana is Indonesia's future'

Detik.com - May 7, 2011
Novi Christiastuti Adiputri, Jakarta – The Nusantara Marijuana Circle (LGN) held a long-march through the Farmers Monument area in Central Jakarta on Saturday May 7 to commemorate the Global Marijuana March (GMM).

Around 50 people wearing white T-shirts with the LGN logo gathered at the Farmers Monument bringing banners and posters, one of which read "Global Marijuana March", with another reading "[We] demand the government provide the objective facts".

Other posters had unique messages such as "Marijuana for Indonesia's future", "Legalise for meditational purposes", "Food and energy industry, marijuana is the solution", "We like Marijuana" and "Marijuana go Green".

The protesters marched around the Farmers Monument area accompanied by a pickup truck carrying a sound system. In the style of Jamaican reggae, some wore their hair in dreadlocks and music could be heard in the reggae genre.

LGN spokesperson Dira Narayana said that the event has been organised in Indonesia since last year while internationally it has been taking place for the last five years. "Overseas it is still taking place to this day, we are trying to pioneer it here", said Narayana.

When asked about the direction of the movement, Narayana explained that it is only an issue of information saying that Marijuana can be used to treat cancer and other illnesses. Narayana also said that the movement already exists in 250 cities and 50 countries.

"Marijuana is no more dangerous than coffee and tea, although if in large amounts it can also cause intoxication. There is overseas research overseas to that effect, it's not dangerous. We have also tried to conduct research here", Narayana asserted. (mpr/gah)

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Thursday, May 5, 2011

3 Malaysians arrested for taking photos at ASEAN Summit protest in Jakarta

Detik.com - May 5, 2011
E Mei Amelia R, Jakarta – Indonesian police arrested three Malaysian citizens in relation to the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on May 7-8. The three were questioned for allegedly taking part in a demonstration at the ASEAN Secretariat on Jl. Sisingamangaraja in South Jakarta on May 5.

"Intelligence offices were suspicious of them because they took photographs during the demonstration. The offices suspected, that they were taking part in the demonstration", said Metro Jaya Regional Police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Baharudin Djafar when contacted by a Detik.com journalist on Thursday.

The protest action in front of the ASEAN Secretariat was demanding a resolution to the problems facing South-East Asian countries. Officers then queried the identity of the three who were absorbed taking pictures of the demonstration. "After being queried about their identity, it turned out they were Malaysian citizens", said Djafar.

Upon discovering the three were foreign nationals, the officer then escorted them to the Metro Jaya Regional Police headquarters. After questioning however, it turned out that the three were not involved in the protest action.

"We cross-checked with the field coordinator for the protest action and the field coordinator stated that they were not part of the protest action participants", explained Djafar.

After being question, the three, one woman and two men (sic) were sent home. They arrived in Indonesia on visitors visas. "They have been sent home", he said.

The arrest of the three Malaysian citizens meanwhile attracted protests. Social organisations grouped under the Indonesian People Action on ASEAN (IPAA) condemned the arrest of the three and the ban on demonstrating that was issued by the Metro Jaya Regional Police chief. This was despite the fact that the protest action was to demand solidarity and democracy for ASEAN.

"Demonstrating is a constitutional right and is one of the legitimate forms of political expression. As a democratic country, there should not be a ban on activities such as demonstrating", said IPAA spokesperson Oki Firman Febrian in a press statement.

Febrian emphasised that the police's job is not in fact to ban activities such as demonstrations, which are part of the political domain in the implementation of the civil and political rights of citizens. The police's job is to guarantee law and order.

"The ban in fact contradicts the vision of a people's orientated ASIAN that was touted in the formation of the ASEAN Community 2020. The national police are overacting too much in banning demonstrations, this ban will in fact do irreparable damage to the people's orientated ASEAN that has been promoted up until now", said Febrian (mei/ndr)

Notes:

According to The Star newspaper, the three Malaysian nationals (two women and one man) were Sisters-in-Islam member Nazreen Nizam, Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) member Choo Chon Kai and Enalini Devi Elumalai from the Malaysian of human rights group Suaram (Voice of the Malaysian People). Despite Djafar's remarks that the three have been "sent home", they were not in fact deported.

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Monday, May 2, 2011

Labour based political parties failing to attract voters

Kompas - May 2, 2011
Yohan Wahyu – If we look at the still sidelined state of workers and employees, the need to unite and organise oneself should be a big one. The historical facts in Indonesia however show the reverse, with political parties claiming to be based among workers not in fact "selling well" in the eyes of the voting public.

In all the elections held since the reformasi era (the reform era beginning in 1998), political parties that are specifically based on the interests of workers have never shown their fangs. Although they have won a number of seats at the regional level (Regional House of Representatives, DPRD), labour parties have had to acknowledge the low level of public appreciation with a vote share of 1 percent at the national level (at the regional level voters tend to know the candidates better).

The number of political parties accommodating workers' interests over consecutive elections has tended to decline. In the 1999 general elections there were four labour based political parties, namely the Workers Solidarity Party (PSP), the National Labour Party (PBN), the All Indonesia Workers Solidarity Party (PSPSI) and the Indonesian Workers Party (PPI). In the 2004 elections there was only the Democrat Socialist Labour Party (PBSD), led by labour figure Muchtar Pakpahan. The party later became the Labour Party and was again able to contest the 2009 elections, but did not obtain a seat in the national parliament (House of Representatives, DPR). A similar fate was shared by the Indonesian Workers and Employers Party (PPPI), which failed to garner a meaningful number of votes in the elections.

The failure of labour parties in gaining votes at the national level proves that labour related issues are no able to be used as a draw card for the mass of voters to consolidate their political strength. The results of this survey found that the majority of respondents (73.6 percent) said that they were not interested by labour based political parties in the 2009 elections. Moreover a majority of respondents who are categorised as employees or workers also did not vote for labour parties.

This view cannot of course be separated from doubts about the effectiveness of the struggle by labour parties in the midst of the still confusing system and management of political parties in Indonesia. More than half of respondents believe that the presence of political parties that are specifically based on labour organisations will not be effecting in struggling for workers' welfare, let alone for larger issues. This is further added to by the profile of voters who tend to be influenced by primordial sentiments such as social class, religion or ethnicity in determining their political choices.

This is a signal that the Indonesian public does not yet hold to a similarity of interests and struggle as a basis for determining their political choices. The success stories of labour parties in countries such as Australia, Britain, New Zealand and South Korea do not appear to be an easy thing to realise in this country.

Kompas survey results April 2011

Do you think labour based political parties are effective in fighting for workers rights?
 
Not effective
55.4 percent
Effective
36.3 percent
Don't know
8.3 percent

Are you satisfied with the government's efforts to regulate and protect workers?
 
Issue
Yes
No
Don't know

Application of regional minimum wage
26.3%
68.1%
5.6%
Guaranteeing workers' safety
27.8%
66.9%
5.3%
Providing legal protection
24.5%
70.4%
5.1%
Providing social security
46.9%
47.6%
5.5%
Guaranteeing the right to organise
41.9%
46.9%
11.3%

Source: Kompas Research & Development

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Workers clash with police at Jakarta airport

Detik.com - May 1, 2011
Dira Derby, Jakarta – A clash broke out between workers and police at the rear entrance to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday when police refused to allow protesting from the Indonesian People's Opposition Front (FORI) from entering the airport.

Wearing red uniforms and carrying flags, banners, posters and megaphones, the workers gave speeches along the length of the road leading to the airport. Despite being blocked by police the demonstrators were determined to continue the demonstration inside the airport.

When the workers came face-to-face with the police blockade a clash broke out with demonstrators and police pushing and shoving each other and the two sides coming to blows. The scuffle did not last long however and protest leaders and the police were eventually able to calm the protesters down.

In speeches the workers demanding that the government abolish contract labour systems or outsourcing, which they said means that workers have no job security.

"Contract workers are very vulnerable to intimidation or even dismissals when there are problems with the company or wish to be involved in a trade union. So we will besiege and occupy the Soekarno-Hatta airport", said Rendra, one of the workers.

As of 2pm the protest action was still continuing resulting in severe traffic congestion at the M1 toll road gate in the direction of Tangerang city. (gah/gah)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Solo workers commemorate May Day by 'destroying the walls of capital'

CyberNews - May 1, 2011
Solo – Commemorating International Labour Day on May 1, two protest actions were held by workers and students in the Central City of Solo on Sunday.

During a demonstration led by students from the Surakarta (Solo) Muhammadiyah University (MS) and the Solo Solidarity Trade Union Federation (FSBSK), the protesters deplored employers and the government for failing to pay heed to the fate of workers.

They also held a theatrical action at the UMS campus intersection on Jl. Ahmad Yani depicting the suffering of Indonesian workers. "Mercy boss, mercy boss. We're working as hard as we can", cried Sutanto, Ipung and Tri Purwanto as they played the part of workers while Iwan Setiawan, who was portrayed as an employer trampled on their heads.

During the action the protesters read out a number of demands including rejecting contract labour or outsourcing, called for a decent wage for workers in line with the reasonable living cost index (KHL) and criticised labour laws for failing to side with workers.

The action descended into chaos when a scuffle broke out with police after demonstrators destroyed a theatrical prop in the form of a two-metre high bamboo cone-shaped building symbolising the employers' empire. "Destroy the capitalists' walls, destroy them", said one of the demonstrators as they shouted long live workers and argued with police.

Separately, around 50 workers from the Surakarta city and Sukoharjo regency branches of National Trade Union (SPN) held a demonstration at the Gladag traffic circle demanding justice for workers. Emphasising four points, the workers rejected outsourcing system, demanding a reasonable wage, called for revisions to the Ministry of Labour Regulation Number 17/2004 and the upholding of labour laws, which they said employers and the government had failed to address to this day.

"[Wages] in Solo and surrounding areas are still not adequate, employees' wages are only 826,000 rupiah per month. When we conducted a survey in later March 2010 in cooperation with the AKKK (Occupational Health and Safety Program, AK3) it [should] be at least 1,400,000 rupiah per month. Bearing in mind the increasing cost of living", said SPN Sukoharjo chairperson Kuwadi Mulyadi. (Asep Abdullah/CN26/JBSM)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Boyolali workers reject contract labour, call for women workers' rights

Solo Post - May 1, 2011
Boyolali – Hundreds of workers from a number of different companies in Boyolali, Central Java, held a peaceful action commemorating May Day on Sunday.

During the action, the workers drove around the city on motorbikes starting from the National Trade Union (SPN) offices on Jl. Pahlawan and ending up at the Labour, Transmigration and Social Affairs Offices (Disnakertransos) where they were received by Disnakertransos head Ir Mulyatno and office officials.

After giving speeches at the Disnakertransos, the workers then continued the action at a number of companies in the Mojosongo and Teras sub-districts.

In their demands the SPN called for revisions to the Law Number 3/1992 on the Workers Insurance Scheme and Law Number 2/2004 on the Settlement of Industrial Disputes. They also rejected contract labour systems and called for the enforcement of labour laws and the fulfillment of women workers' rights. (fid)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers in Purwokerto commemorate May Day with 'sleep in'

Media Indonesia - May 1, 2011
Liliek Dharmawan, Purwokerto – At least 150 people from the People's Struggle Front (FPR) held a demonstration to commemorate International Labour day at the Purwokerto town square in Central Java on Sunday.

During the action, the protesters even held a "sleep in" action on Jl. Jenderal Soedirman in front of the square in which 10 activists threw themselves down on the hot asphalt while the other demonstrators shouted their support for the workers' demands. As a result police were forced to redirect traffic passing by the square.

In a speech action coordinator Widi said that the workers are demanding wages in line with a reasonable living standard. "We also call for the abolition of contract work systems, protection for migrant workers and the annulment of laws that smack of neoliberalism", asserted Widi.

The action, which was also supported by a number of student organisations and NGOs, began at around 10am and was closely guarded by police. The demonstration action was ended with the release of balloons into the air. (OL-12)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers call for cancelation of ASEAN-China free trade agreement

VIVAnews - May 1, 2011
A workers action commemorating International Labour Day or May Day at the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta also demanded the cancelation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

"Cancel the free trade agreement with China (ACFTA), because it is paralysing the people's economy in all sectors of the economy", said National Labour Union (SPN) central leadership board chairperson Bambang Wirahyoso during the action on Sunday.

In addition to demanding the cancelation of the ACFTA, the protesting workers at the DPR also called for the immediate ratification of the Social Insurance Management Agency (BPJS) law and the eradication of the judicial mafia in the Supreme Court, particularly in relation to industrial relations cases.

A short time ago Industry Minister MS Hidayat reported that the free trade deal with China had resulted in a 25 percent decline in domestic production. Factors such as the un-readiness of local employers, particularly in relation to product competitiveness, were cited as one of the causes. Rampant smuggling is damaging domestic markets.

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Activists and workers in Lampung say workers' rights being trampled on

Republika - May 1, 2011
Mursalin Yasland, Bandar Lampung – Hundreds of activists and workers in the Lampung provincial capital of Bandar Lampung took to the city's street on International Labour Day.

The protesters started the action in front of a well known shopping centre in Bandar Lampung then marched towards the Elephant Monument traffic circle and rallied in front of the busiest shopping centre in the city. In addition to giving speeches, they also handed out leaflets with demands for more attention to be paid to workers' welfare and labour rights.

The 500 or so protesters came from the group Lampung People's Struggle (PRL), which is made up of 32 organisations or NGOs that support the struggle for better working conditions. "This is a peaceful action, to fight for workers' interests, which are increasingly languishing as their rights are trampled on by the hegemony of power", said one of the activists, Suryadi.

In another part of the city, the Bandar Lampung Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) also used May Day to convey their demands. In a press release the journalists called for safety guarantees and increased wages. AJI said that these demands are urgent in order that journalists can be more professional in carrying out their assignments.

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Journalists in Aceh call for improved safety guarantees and welfare

Media Indonesia - May 1, 2011
Hendra Saputram Banda Aceh – Commemorating International Labour Day, scores of mass media workers in the Acehnese provincial of Banda Aceh held a peaceful action condemning violence against journalists on Sunday.

During the action, which took place at the Simpang Lima traffic circle, the journalists also condemned an attack on Pidie Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) chairperson Rahmad Idris and an Analisa Daily journalists by a former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) member in Padang Tiji, Pidie.

In speeches the journalists called on the police to fully investigate cases of violence against journalists and try the perpetrators. The action, which was held by cross-media journalists in Aceh, also demanded better safety guarantees and welfare for journalists.

AJI Banda Aceh chairperson Mukhtaruddin Yakob said that welfare and the threat of violence is still the main problem faced by journalists in Indonesia.

"Many journalists are not paid decent wages by their media. Yet the risk in carrying out assignments is very high. There are still many journalists who are not yet covered by insurance by the media companies where they work. The low wages received by journalists make it difficult for them to work professionally, so not a few of them are forced to violate journalistic ethics", said Yakob.

AJI has record 66 cases of valence against journalists in 2010 and the Committee to Project Journalist includes Indonesia on the list of countries where journalists are at risk. (OL-12)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers in Sukabumi say they have no time to perform ritual prayers

Pikiran Rakyat - May 1, 2011
Sukabumi (PRLM) – Hundreds of workers from the Sukabumi regency National Trade Union (SPN) in West Java commemorated International May day at the Sukabumi regional government offices.

Arriving on motorbikes, the workers then forced their way into the government office grounds. In anticipation of the workers' arrival, the Sukabumi city police and military personal were on alert and prevented the workers from entering main audience hall.

"In addition to concerns over welfare and healthcare workers are to this day still being neglected. We are asking for workers to be given enough time to pray. Because for almost all of them, the opportunities to pray are very limited. We find it difficult to perform our ritual prayers five times a day", said Hera Iskandar, the chairperson of the Sukabumi SPN regional leadership board. (A-162/A-120)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers in Semarang say government sides with capitalists, not workers

CyberNews - May 1, 2011
Semarang – Hundreds of people from groups such as the National Workers Union (SPN) and the Indonesian People's United Resistance (PPRI) commemorated International Labour Day (May Day) on Sunday in the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang.

The SPN held its action in the vicinity of Jl. Pahlawan while the PPRI started their action at the Baiturrahman Mosque in Simpanglima then marched to Jl. Pahlawan.

The march by the PPRI, which is composed of the SMI, the Lengkong Youth, the Indonesian Cultural Society Union (Sebumi), Indonesian Parliamentary Youth (PPI) and the Indonesia People’s Movement (GRI), took up the entire road forcing vehicle behind to trail slowly behind. The march resulted in several minutes of traffic congestion.

One of the PPRI activists, Rendra, said that the current administration does not side with workers but with capitalists. "We are demanding three things, the nationalisation of state assets for the people's welfare, building a people-based national industry and the implementation of genuine agrarian reform", he said.

As of 11am the PPRI protesters were still holding free speeches on Jl. Pahlawan. The previous night they also held a cultural contemplation at the same location. The action was guarded by hundreds of police. (Adhitia A, Krisnaji Satriawan/CN14/JBSM)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers alliance calls for improved working conditions

Komhukum - May 1, 2011
Komhukum (Jakarta) – Thousands of workers are still demonstrating at the State Palace on Jl. Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta demanding reforms to working conditions.

The protesting workers, who had been gathering since this morning, had earlier held a long-march from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. One of the larger groups involved in May Day this year is the Indonesian People's United Resistance (PPRI, an alliance of 14 trade unions).

In commemorating May Day, the PPRI said that it is seeking working condition reforms for workers and labourers. In addition to trade unions, PPRI also includes the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and several extra-parliamentary youth organisations such as the Indonesian Youth Front for Struggle (FPPI) and the Indonesian Student Union (SMI).

In a leaflet, the PPRI said that the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono is a capitalist regime and accused it of failing to bring prosperity to the ordinary people, particularly the working class.

Meanwhile the national coordinator of the FPPI, Ferry Widodo, said that this year's May Day represents an effort to united the people's movements to resist oppression by the state. "Currently the state is committing more violence, particularly through the policies the government is issuing", said Widodo.

The demonstrators from AJI meanwhile, who brought theatrical props to the action such as a miniature jail, called for improvement to welfare for journalists. They also demanded the freedom for journalists to form trade unions and organise. (K-2/Kahfi)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Students in Bali condemn government for failing migrant workers

Okezone.com - May 1, 2011
Rohmat, Denpasar – The commemoration of International Labour Day in Bali was commemorated by a number of different student organisations. Workers however were absent from the protest.

At around 10am, scores of students marched from the Udayana University campus in the capital Denpasar towards the Sudirman and Dewi Sartika intersection. Along the way they stopped to give speeches in the middle of the road in which they condemned the government for failing to pay attention to the fate of migrant workers.

"Workers are still oppressed. The packet of Department of Labour and Transmigration laws have further marginalised workers", said People’s Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights (Ardham) public relations officer Hairul during a break in the action. Moreover the laws regulate outsourcing or contract labour, which clearly harms workers.

According to the students, there is no political will on the part of the government to take concrete action to improve workers' welfare. They added that the packet of three labour laws fail to side with workers and only benefits employers.

"The administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono has failed to bring prosperity, as proven by the migrant workers in Saudi Arabia that were abandoned just like that without protection. Not to mention workers in Indonesia working in the factories with low wages and being robbed by the owners of capital", asserted Hairul.

Unfortunately, the commemoration of May Day, which was organised by the Udayana University Student Executive Council (BEM), was not joined by Balinese workers.

In addition to giving speeches, they also handed out leaflets to passing drivers containing a statement of six demands including opposing contract labour systems and outsourcing and rejecting mass sackings. (ful)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Surrounded by razor wire, parliament besieged by hundreds of workers

Detik.com - May 1, 2011
Laurencius Simanjuntak, Jakarta – Even though its occupants are in recess, the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Central Jakarta was the target of around 150 protesters commemorating Labour Day.

The demonstrators, who wore grey T-shirts and began arriving in buses at around 10am, gave speeches and unfurled flags. There was no additional security provided, but a 200-metre long razor-wire baracade had been setup up in front of the DPR guarded by around 20 police officers.

"The plan today was for 15 thousand people to come. In fact we have a permit for 15 thousand", said Metal, Electronic and Machinery Trade Union-All Indonesia Workers Union Federation (SPLEM-SPSI) action coordinator.

The demonstrators appeared united in their demands opposing outsourcing, rejecting set work shifts, calling for the ratification of the Social Insurance Management Agency draft law (RUU BPJS), demanding that May 1 to be declared a national holiday and calling for the repeal of Labour Ministry Regulation 1/2005 on staged achievement of the reasonable living cost index. (gah/fay)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Hundreds of workers in Jakarta descend on Labour Ministry

Detik.com - May 1, 2011
Suci Dian Firani, Jakarta – In addition to demonstrating at the State Palace and House of Representatives (DPR) building, hundreds of workers also commemorated May Day by descending on the Department of Labour and Transmigration (Kemenakertrans) offices demanding welfare improvements.

The demonstrators from the National Trade Union (SPN) began arriving a the Department of Labour offices in Central Jakarta at around 12.45pm where they immediately began giving speeches from a pickup truck.

"We are warning the government about the Social Insurance Management Agency (SJSN) law which since 2004 is yet to be implemented, we also reject outsourcing systems and demand pension payments", Trade Union Association (PSP) chairperson Sunadri told journalists.

The protest action, which was watched over by around 400 police officers proceeded peacefully. The 50 or so buses used to transport the workers, which were parked along the side of the road, did not disrupt the flow of traffic.

In addition to protest actions in the capital Jakarta, May Day commemorations were also held in other cities such as Yogyakarta and Makassar. (adi/fay)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Workers and students unite for May Day in Bandung

Okezone.com - May 1, 2011
Iman Herdiana, Bandung – Hundreds of students and workers from the People's Struggle Front (FPR) held a protest action in front of the West Java provincial government offices in Bandung today to commemorate International Labour Day.

The protest action started at around 10am with demonstrators from trade unions and student organisations from throughout Bandung giving speeches demanding welfare improvements for farm and plantation labourers, factory workers, the unemployed and students.

"Today is a momentum for farm and plantation labourers, factory workers, students, who are still in poverty. Let us demand the right to a decent life, which to this day the government has never provided", said one of the speakers.

"We have land, our land is stolen. We work hard and are wages are cut. Our young people have no employment", said the students and workers as they sung songs of labour struggle.

Action coordinator Hechtor Situmorang from the Indonesian National Students Movement (GMNI) said that there is currently no National Social Security Program (SJSN), but that this could be applied if the Social Insurance Management Agency (BPJS) had a legal umbrella.

"We demand that the House of Representatives ratify the law regulating the BPJS. Because if the BPJS law is ratified, it would no just be workers that benefit but there would be accident insurance and healthcare for the people in general", said Situmorang. (abe)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

May Day heats up in Jakarta after protesters set fire to tyres

Detik.com - May 1, 2011
Febrina Ayu Scottiati, Jakarta – A peaceful commemoration of Labour Day in front of the State Palace in Jakarta became heated after protesters set fire to five tyres at around 12.15pm forcing police to deploy anti-riot troops.

Two police officers equipped with fire fighting equipment attempted to extinguish the fires, which were generating a thick black smoke. It took around 15 minutes for the pair to completely put out the fires.

As a result, around 50 anti-riot troops wearing black uniforms, helmets and armed with truncheons were deployed to anticipate any undesirable incidents and setup a barbed-wire blockade.

"We did not have any plans to set fire to tyres in front of the Palace. Whoever set fire to the tyres was not one of our demonstrators", said the action coordinator speaking from atop an open truck.

By around 12.45pm the atmosphere returned to normal with around 5,000 demonstrators from various labour organisation who packed Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara as far as Gambir train station listening to speeches from the from their respective leaders. (gah/fay)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Women workers in Bandung demand right to breastfeed

Okezone.com - May 1, 2011
Iman Herdiana, Bandung – The West Java provincial government office in Bandung has again been the target of hundreds of workers with around 500 people from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) besieging the Gedung Sate building.

The protesters arrived at around 10am with most wearing red T-shirts. The demonstration was also marked by a theatrical action in which several workers were smeared with red ink to symbolise blood and their oppression by employers and the authorities.

Protesters also took turns in giving speeches including Enung Wiwin from KASBI Majalaya. "Women workers are the pillars of the country, it's time for women to be active and lead. The tap of freedom is open. Workers organisations must take care of their members. Don't be defeated by employers", said Wiwin in a speech.

According to Wiwin, the fate of workers, particularly women workers, depends on the factory environment and the strength of workers. "If women workers are consistent in demanding their rights, they are sure of being able to resist pressure", Wiwin told journalists.

Although Wiwin conceded that the conditions at her factory were relatively good, one important right has not been fulfilled, namely the right to breastfeed. "Almost none of the women workers have obtained the right to breastfeed. So for the whole eight hours of work, there is no time to breastfeed and no special room for breastfeeding", she said. (ful)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]

Police blockade prevents Makassar workers from occupying airport

Detik.com - May 1, 2011
Muhammad Nur Abdurrahman, Jakarta – Around 1,000 workers in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar disbursed after protesters were prevented from entering the Sultan Hasanuddin international airport by a police blockade in front of the airport entrance.

Prior to dispersing, the protesters from the Indonesian People's Opposition Front (FORI) were involved in a scuffle with police when they tried to force their way through the blockade.

"We wanted the demonstrating workers to occupy the airport, because the airport is a vital state object and we wanted our demands to be heard, because we were tired of [demonstrating at the] Regional House of Representatives and the governor's office. Our voices were not being heard there", said FORI field coordinator Muchtar Guntur in a speech in front of the police blockade.

After failing to break through the blockade the workers disbursed with Guntur pledging that they would return at a later time. Other workers meanwhile held an action at Makassar industrial Zone. (mna/gun)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]
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