Trade union calls on workers to abandon political elite, establish new party

Kompas.com - April 25, 2013

Suhartono, Jakarta – The Labour Secretariat (Sekber Buruh) in Jakarta and the satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi is calling on the thousands of workers planning to hold actions on May Day to establish a people's party, that is truly of the people and for the people themselves.

"It's time for workers to abandon the current elite [political] parties that are established for their own interests, namely a handful of the elite", said Sekber Buruh Greater Jakarta activist Budi Wardoyo in Jakarta on Thursday April 25.

According to Wardoyo, ordinary Indonesians must establish their own political party that is not controlled by a handful of the elite and only for the interest of the elite, but for the interests of the ordinary people instead. "We are calling on all workers to jointly mobilise and abandon the elite parties", said Wardoyo.

Related to the commemoration of Labour Day on May 1, Sekber Buruh is also inviting workers to besiege the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the State Palace to call on the government and the KPU to hold legitimate and honest general elections so that a people's party can take part in the elections unhindered.

"We will also hold a convoy of 500 motorcycles that will travel around Jakarta distributing leaflets and putting up banners at various key points in the city stating that the workers' struggle for prosperity is not yet finished", said Wardoyo.

[Momentum Buruh, Sekber Ajak Dirikan Partai Rakyat - Kompas.com. Kamis, 25 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft news service.]

Protesters in Yogyakarta demand justice for Kopassus prison killings

KRYogya.com - April 23, 2013

Tomi Sujatmiko, Sleman – Demonstrators from the Indonesian People's Committee for Justice (KRIUK) held a protest action at the Yogyakarta regional police headquarters (Mapolda) on Tuesday April 23 demanding a resolution to cases of human rights violations, including the attack on the Cebongan prison exactly one month ago.

"The momentum in commemorating one month since the bloody Cebongan tragedy should be an impetus to reflect upon and at the same time an awakening for the people's movement to demand accountability from the state", said action coordinator Erlangga in a speech.

According to Erlangga, the Cebongan tragedy did irreparable damage to the law and disrupted [the public's] sense of security. Bearing in mind that a prison, which is supposed to provide security for detainees, became the target of a fatal attack by rogue members of the army's Special Forces Kopassus.

However, continued Erlangga, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instead being making misleading statements on the issue saying that the 11 rogue Kopassus members are knights or protector of the people because they confessed to their actions.

Despite heavy rain that drenched the protesters halfway through the action – which was closely watched over by police – they continued giving speeches. The demonstrators disbanded after reading out a statement. (Ayu)

[KRIUK Tuntut Penyelesaian Tragedi Lapas Cebongan - KRjogja.com. Selasa, 23 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft news service.]

Protesters call on Freeport to leave Indonesia

Aktual.co - April 22, 2013

Vicky Anggriawan, Jakarta – Scores of people from a number of difference social organisations that are part of National Papua Solidarity (Napas) held a protest action in front of the PT Freeport Indonesia central office in Jakarta.

"We demand that Freeport leave Indonesia because they have damaged Indonesia's environment", said Napas public relations officer Vivi Widyawati during the action in front of Wisma 86 in Jakarta on Monday April 22.

Widyawati said that PT Freeport is the biggest symbol of capital and has caused the greatest amount of environmental damage out of all the corporations in Indonesia. Freeport is also the most concrete form of corruption and cooptation of the government.

"The economic benefits for the Papuan community have not been as expected, on the contrary environmental [damage] has instead progressively worsened", she said.

The demonstrators also called on the government to apply a moratorium on mining licenses throughout Indonesia before there are any further designation of mining zones that involve Indonesian communities.

[Merusak Alam, Freeport Diminta Hengkang - Aktual.co. 22 Apr 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Gay rights activists in Bali call for end to violence and discrimination

Tribune News - April 21, 2013

Denpasar – The commemoration of Kartini Day in Denpasar on Sunday April 21 was enlivened by a protest action by the Balinese Women and Children's Social Network of Concern (JAMPAP).

The group gave speeches and held a theatrical action on the theme of ending violence against women and children in front of the Balanese People's Struggle Monument in Renon, Denpasar city.

Interestingly, the demonstration was joined by scores of transvestites from the Kuta Transvestite Community (Ogawata) who took part in shouting slogans opposing violence against women and children.

JAMPAP action coordinator Yastini from the Bali Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) said that the action was held to build an understanding in society about the importance of ending all forms of violence against women and children. "We want to promote awareness that violence and discrimination is still taking place and this violence must end", said Yastini.

Ogawata activist Jovan added that the transvestite community was inspired by and wanted to be involved in the action because they also felt concerned about violence against women and children. According to Jovan, they too want to build awareness in society that transvestites are also venerable to and experience discrimination and violence. "We want this violence to stop", said Jovan during a break in the action.

Notes

Raden Ajeng Kartini was an Indonesian regent's daughter during the Dutch colonial period who, through her letters home, outlined her dreams of a better life for women. She died aged 25 a few days after giving birth to her first child. A variety of myths have made the original Kartini a nationalist hero and feminist symbol. Hari Kartini (Kartini Day, April 21) is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of the turn-of-the-century hero.

[Waria juga Menolak Kekerasan pada Perempuan dan Anak - Tribunnews.com. Senin, 22 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Activists call on women to think like Kartini, fight discrimination

Kompas.com - April 21, 2013

Zico Nurrashid Priharseno, Jakarta – Around 30 people from the Women's Action Committee (KAP) held a protest action at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Sunday April 21.

In addition to opposing violence against women, they also called on the public to read and understand the letters written by RA Kartini. The fourth wife of Regent Rembang wrote a number of letters about the women's struggle at a time when discrimination against women was still rife.

The writings can be found in a book titled Out of Dark Comes Light. "These days may people only know Kartini as the mother of emancipation, but do not know anything about her thoughts", said KAP member Mutiara Eka Pratiwi on Sunday.

Kartini wrote the letters over a period of six years since she was 12 years old while she was being kept in seclusion before being married. In that era, women were considered weak, were not allowed to attend school, work or even leave the house. It was this that inspired Kartini to write about her thoughts on the differences that existed at that time.

"I was inspired when she wrote that Javanese people had to bow down to the Dutch in the past. These days [we] don't bow down to colonialists, but to [our] superiors. We can see that there are still many women workers who are sexually harassed by their superiors", said Pratiwi.

It is for this reason that Pratiwi believes that modern women must think like Kartini. According to Pratiwi, women who become victims still experience injustice and difficulties when reporting cases to the authorities. Aside from the law, which fails to side with victims, law enforcement officials still tend to blame the victims.

"The same goes for statements by government officials about cases of sexual violence, who still blame women for what they wear, so they believe women deserve to be victims", said Pratiwi.

Notes

Raden Ajeng Kartini was an Indonesian regent's daughter during the Dutch colonial period who, through her letters home, outlined her dreams of a better life for women. She died aged 25 a few days after giving birth to her first child. A variety of myths have made the original Kartini a nationalist hero and feminist symbol. Hari Kartini (Kartini Day, April 21) is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of the turn-of-the-century hero.

[Hayati Pemikiran Kartini! - Kompas.com - Minggu, 21 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Workers commemorate Kartini Day with call to reject fuel price hike

Kompas.com - April 21, 2013

Heru Sri Kumoro, Jakarta – Scores of workers from the Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI) commemorated Kartini Day on Sunday April 21 with a protest action at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta.

The protesters called on the public to oppose the government's planned fuel price hike, for an end to the exploitation of women, an end to discrimination, wage rises for workers and for a reduction in the price of basic goods.

In addition to women wearing traditional kebaya dresses, the protest was also joined by male workers. The protesters took turns in giving speeches. "The government has given us a sweet gift on this commemoration of Kartini Day, namely the planned fuel price hike. Fuel price increases will be followed by a rise in other prices. The people will loose out", said one of the speakers.

During the action the protesters brought organisational flags and posters with messages such as, "Increase workers' wages", "Reject the Social Security Management Agency Law", "Reject the fuel price hike" and "Stop free trade".

The action was also held in the context of preparations to commemorate International Labour Day (May Day) on May 1.

Notes

Raden Ajeng Kartini was an Indonesian regent's daughter during the Dutch colonial period who, through her letters home, outlined her dreams of a better life for women. She died aged 25 a few days after giving birth to her first child. A variety of myths have made the original Kartini a nationalist hero and feminist symbol. Hari Kartini (Kartini Day, April 21) is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of the turn-of-the-century hero.

[Buruh Peringati Hari Kartini - Kompas.com. Minggu, 21 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

75 percent of women workers in Jakarta experience sexual violence

Kompas - April 19, 2013

Zico Nurrashid Priharseno, Jakarta – To this day many women workers become victims of sexual crimes. In Jakarta, there are around 80 thousand workers and as many as 90 percent of these are women. Seventy-five of women workers in Jakarta have experienced sexual violence.

Based on data released by the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) for 2012, there were 216,156 cases of sexual violence, among which 2,521 were experienced by women workers. This figure is based on women workers who have reported the incidents.

According to Factory Level Labour Community (KBTP) coordinator Jumingsih, cases of sexual harassment experienced by women workers often occur in the factory. The perpetrators can be anyone, from their superiors to fellow male workers.

"Commonly workers are raped under the threat that their contracts will not be extended. This has been happening at factories in North Jakarta", she said at the offices of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) in Central Jakarta on Friday April 19.

Moreover, according to Jumingsih, women workers often become targets of sexual harassment outside the factory. This usually occurs when women are returning home at night after working overtime. "When we return home after 10pm there is no safe [public] transport available so it's when [we] return home that rapes occur", she said.

Jumingsih said that victims should report all cases of harassment to the authorities, however there are still many cases that are not resolved by the police.

According to Jumingsih this is because of weak law enforcement in Indonesia when it comes to cases of sexual harassment, particularly if the victim is a women worker. "Here, we can see that there is discrimination against women workers", said Jumingsih.

[75 Persen Buruh Wanita di Jakarta Alami Kekerasan Seksual - Kompas.com. Jumat, 19 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Women's groups establish movement to combat sexual violence, rape

Okezone - April 19, 2013

Susi Fatimah, Jakarta – The failure of law enforcement officials to protect women from sexual violence and rape has prompted an alliance of women from Free Women (Perempuan Mahardika), the Cross-Factory Labour Forum (FBLP) and Marsinah Radio FM to form a movement called the Progressive Labour Front (Barisan Maju Buruh, BAMBU) for Women.

BAMBU coordinator Ampi said that the formation of the movement was in the context of providing information and education to women so that they can protect themselves from widespread acts of violence and rape.

"We will provide awareness through education. Initiate campaigns in the form of leaflets and speeches, so that women have the know how to confront perpetrators by any and all means", said Ampi at the offices of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) in Jakarta on Friday April 19.

The BAMBU movement itself, continued Ampi, will be launched to coincide with Kartini Day on April 21 in Cakung, North Jakarta. The event will be attended by thousands of workers who will bring bamboo sticks measuring 40 centimeters as self-defense against acts of violence against women.

Ampi also said that they will be urging women workers to carry the bamboo sticks during their daily activities, in order to prevent acts of violence on the streets. This is particularly the case for women that have no access to transport facilities when they return home from work after 9pm.

"The women should carry the bamboo [sticks] in their bags, that's what we will be telling our comrades. If they are trapped they can brandish the bamboo [stick]", she said.

In addition to providing awareness through education, BAMBU will also facilitate legal assistance for victims of violence and rape. "We the BAMBU front will accept reports of violence against women and are ready to provide advocacy", she said in closing. (teb)

Notes

Raden Ajeng Kartini was an Indonesian regent's daughter during the Dutch colonial period who, through her letters home, outlined her dreams of a better life for women. She died aged 25 a few days after giving birth to her first child. A variety of myths have made the original Kartini a nationalist hero and feminist symbol. Hari Kartini (Kartini Day, April 21) is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of the turn-of-the-century hero.

[Marak Pemerkosaan, Buruh Perempuan Diminta Siaga Bambu di Tas - Okezone. Jum'at, 19 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Protesters say government to blame for deadly epidemic in West Papua

Lensa Indonesia - April 15, 2013

A group of West Papuan students from Solidarity for Papua (SUP) held a demonstration in front of the Abu Bakar Ali Park in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta on April 15.

The protesters held the action to express their disappointment over the government's slow response in handling the epidemic in Tambrauw regency, West Papua. The disaster has claimed the lives of scores of people and left hundreds of others in a critical condition.

"We demand that SBY-Boediono [President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Vice President Boediono] be held accountable for this calamity. It is deeply saddening that the people are powerless in the face of this epidemic because they are unable to obtain the healthcare services that should be provided by the government and health officials", said SUP spokesperson Marciana Dede during the action on Monday.

The group said that the Yudhoyono government must be held accountable for the disaster because they have intentionally neglected the epidemic.

"The epidemic struck in November 2012 and has continued until this day, without any serious efforts by the government to cope with the epidemic that has afflicted the people there", said Dede.

This intentional neglect on the part of the government in dealing with the epidemic was demonstrated by a local government statement by the head of the West Papua health office that the epidemic was not a health emergency. Because of this, the group said, fifteen people died unnecessarily.

"They (the government) also failed to verify information released by one particular non-government organisation that carried out an investigation on the ground and found that as many as 95 people had died and hundreds of others were still in a critical condition", she added.

Dede also said that the government's justification in saying that the villages were extremely isolated and difficult to reach was a cliche that is always used as an excuse for avoiding responsibility.

"Are there not infrastructure projects under Otsus [Special Autonomy] and the UP4B [Special Unit for the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua] with funds of billions of rupiah that should be allocated to respond to these issues, so why to this day in the five villages of Jocjoker, Kosefo, Baddei, Sukuwes and Krisnos is there not one healthcare facility?", she asked.

[SBY-Boediono harus bertanggung jawab atas musibah di Tambrau, Papua Barat - Lensaindonesia.com. Senin, 15 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Protesters in military fatigues disrupt Komnas HAM press conference

Detik News - April 12, 2013

Syarifah Nur Haida, Jakarta – Commissioners from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) were startled when during a break in a Komnas HAM press conference on the Cebongan prison killings, demonstrators wearing military fatigues descended on Komnas HAM's office calling for the commission to be disbanded.

The incident took place around 20 minutes into the Komnas HAM press conference when a speaker from the crowd suddenly startled the people attending the press conference.

"We want the Cebongan to remain an ordinary criminal case, because this case is helping to exterminate thuggery", said one of the speakers through a megaphone in front of the Komnas HAM office in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta on Friday April 12.

It turned out that the demonstrators came from the Communication Forum for Children of Retired Police and Military Officers (FKPPI).

The demonstrators brought banners measuring 1x1 metres with messages such as, "Komnas HAM is a foreign lackey", "Disband Komnas HAM" and "Komnas HAM is never around when their parents rights are violated (sic)". "During the Papua military operation, Komnas HAM never investigated the case (sic)", shouted the speaker.

The demonstration by around 150 people did not disrupt traffic significantly and office security personnel kept watch over the action. The press conference itself had to be halted temporarily because of the protest.

At the press conference meanwhile, Komnas HAM explained that if the attack on the Cebongan prison [by members of the army's elite Special Forces Kopassus] in March was a human rights violation. Komnas HAM chairperson Siti Noor Lalila called on the government to take responsibility, bearing in mind that the incident that took place at Cebongan was an attack on a state institution and that the state had failed to protect its citizens.

"This is clearly a human rights violation. The attack on the Cebongan prison in Sleman was the act of an 'extrajudicial killing' against four prisoners and was an attack against the authority of the law and cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever", said Lalila. (rvk/nwk)

[Di Tengah Jumpa Pers, Komnas HAM Didemo 100-an Orang Berbaju Loreng - detikNews - Jumat, 12/04/2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Islamic police net 35 women for straddling motorcycles in Aceh

Tempo.co - April 12, 2013

Imran MA, Lhokseumawe – Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers and Sharia police (Wilayatul Hisbah) began conducted raids on motorcycle riders on the main roads of Lhokseumawe city in Northern Aceh on April 12.

They were upholding an order prohibiting women passengers from straddling motorcycles that came into force last January. As many as 35 women were netted in the raids.

The acting head of Satpol PP and WH Lhokseumawe, Irsyadi, said that the raid was the start of a campaign to uphold the prohibition. "This is the start of the implementation of the order. Through our actions today perhaps people will know better", said Irsyadi on Friday.

In the future, he added, officials will continue to conduct raids while socialising the policy. If there are residents that fail to obey, Satpol PP will provide advice and ask them to comply with the order.

The appeal or advice to women motorcycle passengers not to straddle motorcycles in Lhokseumawe, which mayor [Suaidi Yahya] has began campaigning for since January 1, has received support and opposition from residents in the city near the former PT Arun natural gas plant.

[Razia Ngangkang di Aceh, 35 Orang Terjaring - Tempo.co. Jum'at, 12 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Army tries to portray Kopassus killers as heroes, defenders of the people

Kompas.com - April 9, 2013

Yogyakarta – The murder of four prisoners at the Cebongan prison in Sleman, Yogyakarta, could potentially be used for political image building. This can be seen from widespread efforts to garner public support and divert the issue away from one of human rights violations to the eradication of thuggery.

Yogyakarta Gadjah Mada University (UGM) political studies lecturer AAGN Ari Dwipayana said for example that one of the parties that is benefiting politically from the case is the army (TNI AD), particularly TNI AD Chief of Staff General Pramono Edhie Wibowo.

"Previously there were statements from the TNI AD investigation team in which the TNI was cited as one of the parties that was to blame in the case. But, after the investigation team announced its findings, the TNI's position was shifted to one of an institution that should be praised, even portraying Kopassus as heroes", he said on Monday April 8.

According to Dwipayana, this image building was very apparent when the head of the TNI AD's investigation team, Brigadier General Unggul K. Yudhoyono announced the results of the investigation. "Efforts at image building can be seen from the emphasis placed on the sentences conveyed by the head of the investigation team and the stress placed on certain words, such as knights of the people, esprit de corps, a spontaneous act, and so forth", he said.

Attempts to improve the TNI's images, particularly Kopassus, were even more obvious following the investigation team's announcement. This could be seen from postings supporting Kopassus and the eradication of thuggery through the social media, SMS messages, banners and street actions.

On Monday evening in Yogyakarta, a group of people calling themselves the Yogya Anti-Thuggery Youth held an action at the zero kilometer point in front of the central post office where held a "Mubeng [Beteng] Yogya [a traditional Javanese festival] anti-thuggery paste-up action".

The day before they also held a protest action at the Tugu Monument in which they passed around charity collection boxes to drivers and passersby with "A billion coins for First Sergeants Heru Santoso and Sriyono" written on them. They also brought banners criticising the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III on legal affairs and praising Kopassus.

UGM sociologist Arie Sudjito added that such provocations and distractions will indeed heat up Yogyakarta's social atmosphere and because of this leading social figures and regional leaders must move immediately to maintain a sense of clam and understanding among people.

Joint team

In Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara meanwhile, Deputy Law and Human Rights Minister Denny Indrayana said that there is no need to form a new team or joint fact finding team to look into the legal process surrounding the Cebongan case. The TNI's investigation team has already done its work and proven itself able to uncover the perpetrators.

Indrayana expressed his full support for the legal process and said he expected it to proceed smoothly, fairly and accountably. Various social groups have been asked to continue monitoring the legal process. (ABK/ANS)

[Cebongan Berpotensi untuk Pencitraan - Kompas.com. Selasa, 9 April 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Former intel chief says Kopassus assassins should be given a medal

Detik News - April 8, 2013

Ikhwanul Habibi, Jakarta – The Cebongan Prison case in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta involving 11 members of the army's elite Special forces (Kopassus) is a result of the law falling silent, so the murder of former Kopassus First Sergeant Heru Santoso by thugs at a cafe in Yogyakarta on March 19 resulted in guns doing the talking.

"The widespread thuggery in Yogyakarta proves that the law is silent. The law is unable to touch these thugs. The law still has legal force but it no longer has legitimacy. The law does not have adhesiveness, so society no longer trusts it", said former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief AM Hendropriyono when speaking with Detik.com on Monday April 8.

In the eyes of the intelligence school founder, the highest law is the safety of the ordinary people. Because of this therefore, if the law is unable to protect the ordinary people, guns will speak instead.

"So in legal terms they are wrong, but in moral terms they are right. If necessary they should be awarded the Mahaputra medal", said Hendropriyono, who was the chief of BIN in 2001-2004.

Because of this therefore, the 1967 alumni of the military academy is asking society to understand the case comprehensively, not partially. Hendropriyono also asked that society not try to implicate senior Kopassus leaders in the case.

"Viewing what was done by the Kopassus soldiers at Cebongan, in moral terms they are good soldiers, but in legal terms they are wrong. Even if they are tried by the law, they are still good soldiers. If necessary they should be decorated by society. The law say's who is innocent and who is guilty. Morals say who is good and who is bad. The law is silent, so it is guns that speak", concluded Hendropriyono. (asp/fdn)

Notes

1. Bintang Mahaputera – The Star of Mahaputera (BMP) medal is awarded to a person who has given extraordinary service to the country in certain areas outside the military. It is the second highest decoration awarded by the Indonesian government.

2. AM Hendropriyono was formally an officer in the army's elite Special Forces Kopassus which were responsible for many of the human rights violations in East Timor and Aceh. He was also the chief of the Jakarta military command and later became the minister for transmigration and resettlement. Hendropriyono was in direct command of the troops which perpetrated the Lampung massacre in 1989. US diplomatic cables leaked in 2011 also implicate Hendropriyono in the planning of the murder of human rights campaigner Munir.

[Eks Kepala BIN: Kalau Perlu, 11 Anggota Kopassus Dapat Bintang Mahaputra – detikNews. Senin, 08/04/2013. Translated by James Balowski.]

Wearing mini-skirts, New Men's Alliance rejects sexual violence and rape

Detik News - April 7, 2013

Septiana Ledysia, Jakarta – Five men calling themselves the New Men's Alliance (ALB) held a silent action opposing all forms of violence and rape against women at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Sunday April 7.

At 8.30am, the five men donned mini-skirts, with each holding posters measuring around 60cm x 80cm with messages such as, "Men Unite against Rape" and "Real Men Think with their Brains, not their Penises".

The action attracted the attention of local people in and around Hotel Indonesia, with several inviting them to take photographs together.

"We held this silent action wearing mini-skirts to see if men wear mini-skirts whether there will still be rapes", one of the action coordinators Shera told Detik.com.

Shera also said that they held the action because there are too many rapes and cases of sexual violence in Indonesia and the government should not just ban women from wearing sexy attire.

"This shows that it is not the mini-skirts, but rather who is the target and object [of sexual violence]", he added. (spt/rmd)

[Pakai Rok Mini di Bundaran HI, 5 Pria Tolak Kekerasan Terhadap Wanita - detikNews. Minggu, 07/04/2013. Translated by James Balowski.]