Workers, students and urban poor hold solidarity action in Makassar

Tribune News - October 31, 2013

Erul, Makassar – On Thursday October 31, several different organisations from the group Social Solidarity Action for the Indonesian People (Samurai) again held a protest action in front of Makassar Industrial Zone (KIMA) Gate II on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km 15 in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar.

During the solidarity action by students, workers and urban poor organisations, protesters closed off several lanes of the road. National Trade Union Confederation (KSN) chairperson Salim Samsur said the action was held to condemn the government, in this case South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

"Today around 300 workers closed off the road. If our demands are not met, in coming days three thousand workers will close the road", he said. The workers blockaded the main road leading to the centre of Makassar city for around one hour.

Biring Kanaya sectoral police chief Police Commissioner Akbar Setiawan said that he had deployed around 60 local officers to secure the demonstration. "Around 60 officers were deployed. This was a joint operation with the Tamalanrea sectoral police", he said.

[Buruh Tutup Jalan di Pintu II KIMA Makassar - Tribunnews.com. Kam, 31 Okt 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]