National Liberation Party of Unity - PAPERNAS

President's Inauguration Marked by Protest Titled "Put An End!"

2009-10-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Report by: Ulfa Ilyas
Thousands of people from various elements of society carried out a protest to mark the inauguration of SBY and Boediono as President and VP around national parliament building Jakarta today (October 20th).

They demanded the president to put an end to neoliberal policies during his second term, because the system has been proven failed and brought suffering to the people of the world, including Indonesia.

The spokeperson of the Street Parliament Alliance (APJ), Lalu Hilman Afriandi, stated the above in Senayan, Jakarta.

"In the last 5 years, the government has been busy seeking foreign loans. Up to August 2009, our debt had reached $160.64 billion and each year it added hundreds of trillion rupiah into the state budget. This policy is not only a burden to the state budget, but also an opening for foreign interest that seek the implementation of neoliberal policies, such as the selling of SOEs, trade liberalization, bank deregulation, liberalization of education, etc." he added.
Lalu Hilman explained that what have been happening is using debt to pay debt, creating vicious circle where debt feed on itself.

Meanwhile, Dominggus Oktavianus, the chairperson of the National Front of Indonesia's Labour Struggle (FNPBI) said that neoliberal policies cause deindustrialisation and bankrupt national industry that supposed to be able to provide jobs and produce goods for people's need. Currently, informal worker sector has reached 70% of the total labour force. Some of them are laid off workers and young workers who are not absorbed by the industry.

"It means that beside intensifying lay-offs, neoliberalism from the outset has shrunken the labour market. This is exacerbated by the spread of contract system, outsourcing, and low wage politics,"

At the same place, the chairperson of the Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI), Marlo Sitompul, hopes that the president would address the rights of the poor. "Especially as his second term was marked by the Bank Century case that was indicated to cause the lost of Rp. 6.7 trillion of public money. The new government should not be too confident, because this case has clearly hurt their credibility among the people, even among their own voters," explained Marlo.

The protest, filled with posters and banners titled "Put An End!" went peacefully despite heavy police presence.

Similar demonstrations occurred in dozens of other areas in Indonesia. In Makassar of South Sulawesi province, more than a thousand mass came to Liberation West Irian memorial monument to declare Stop the neoliberal regime. Demonstrations also occurred in the capital city of other provinces such as East Java, Central Java, West Java, Jambi, Riau, North Sumatra, Aceh, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara. The nationwide simultaneous action is coordinated by the People's Democratic Party (PRD).

Indonesia: Parliament of the Streets Demands Free Education and Health care, Housing for the Poor

2009-09-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

On August 25, 2009, a demonstration was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, organised by the Parliament of the Streets Alliance at the inauguration of newly elected members of parliament. The protesters demanded free education for all citizens, free health programs, employment and housing programs for poor people.

Henri Anggoro, a leader of the Poor People’s Union (Serikat Rakyat Miskin Indonesia, SRMI), which organises in the sprawling shanty towns, said that experience has shown that parliament ignores the interests of the people. "They only represent the interests of a handful of people, rather than representing the people who elected them", he said.

Anggoro challenged the new legislators to advance the political agenda of democracy instead of giving priority to the interests of a handful of elite and foreign parties. He demanded popular participation, particularly in policy making and the national budget.

The Parliament of Streets Alliance has begun organising local councils, which could become the embryo of a parliament of the people, Henri said.

[Ulfa Ilyas writes for Berdikari Online, visit http://papernas.org/berdikari/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=442&Itemid=44.]

Taken from : http://links.org.au/node/1225

Suluk Bongkal Peasants Walked For 300 km To Forge Resistance Against Land Grabbing Companies

2009-01-27T04:07:00.000-08:00

Legal roads for justice was blocked for the residents of Suluk Bongkal village, whose houses and properties was attacked and burned down last month by hundreds of police and thugs following years of land dispute with a pulp producing company PT Arara Abadi. On January 17th the Bengkalis State Court rejected their lawsuit against PT Arara. The Human Rights Commission that initially condemned the state apparatus and the company has so far failed in bringing any concrete follow-up. In the meantime, the company with the help of police and thugs had expanded evictions to other villages.

In light of these facts, the Riau Peasant Movement (STR) and SORAK, a coalition of social movement and environmental groups, held several protests to condemn the blatant violation of rule of law by the state institutions and the company. On Wednesday morning (21/1) they started a "long march" from Tarik Serai village and arrived in Riau Province capital, Pekanbaru, on Monday (26/1) - covering the distance of 300 km. The walk is meant to rally the moral of resistance among the peasants, as well as to campaign, in each villages that was passed, for peasants' rights and the resistance against the tyrany of the company and state apparatus. Below is an explanation by STR chairperson, Rinaldi, in an interview with Berdikari Online:

Wednesday, January 21st

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
We heard that there will be a long march from Tasik Serai Timur village to Pekanbaru, which will cover the distance of 300 km. What is the peasants' reason in taking this action?

Rinaldi (STR):
Yes, actually the correct one is from Tasik Serai village to East Village. We are doing it because we realise that we have to consolidate all of our mass basis that recently become victims of repression by land mafia, land-grabbing companies, and police apparatus. By walking in this distance we will be able to visit each village, to convey our message and tell story about our struggle in village meetings, to every village residents. The culmination will be on this 29 January 2009, which is the 40th days since the attack on Suluk Bongkal village. The point is, we will spread the message from Suluk Bongkal peasants, who are carrying out a resistance against the land-grabbing company, to peasants in other villages that face similar situation.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
How many people will take part in this walk? Will there be other organisation involved in it?

Rinaldi (STR):
So the total number of peasants that left this morning were 38 people. Besides us, STR, some organisations involved are Riau Peasants Group, UNRI (Riau Univ.) Nature Loving Students (MAPALA)

BO: How is the technical preparations, for example, logistics, medics, security, etc. Have they been prepared?

Rinaldi (STR):
So we have a team that in every few hours will comb the location that has been passed, as well as report the situation in the field and the condition of the peasants that are taking part in the action. We decided to take rest once every 2 hours, and in each villages there will be kitchen soups. Besides that, we will hold meetings and discussions with residents of every village that we pass.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
What are the campaign or issue carried during the walk?

Rinaldi (STR):
So the campaign or issue is to call on the villagers that join or sympathise with us, to save their village from evictions carried out by PT. Arara Abadi. Second, to call on the forest workers of PT Arara Abadi that we will meet in several locations to get involved in the common struggle. Third, to bring awareness to each village of the human rights violation committed by the police. Fourth, to press the government to solve the agrarian conflict and to defend the peasants. Fifth, to push that the 75 peasants arrested by the police be freed. Sixth, we are also denouncing the release letter (SP3) issued for 13 companies that are clearly lumber thiefs and land-grabber of people's property. Finally, we will press demand to the national police HQ or the central government to immediately dismiss Riau Police Chief.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
What is the target to be achieved from this campaign or issues?

Rinaldi (STR):
The target that we want to achieve is to regain the moral of resistance among the peasants, and then to create a broad consolidation that will involve other villages that experience similar problem. The peasants have been in fear after the Suluk Bongkal tragedy, when they were hunted, had to hide in the forest, among other things. With this "long march", the peasants will at least know that STR still exist, STR still faithfully fight with the peasants, and will carry on the struggle. We feel that this is hard, but slowly but sure the victory will be on our side. We also want to open everybody's eyes, not just the peasants', to better comprehend this issue, both through mass media coverage of our action as well as from hearing about our campaign and directly reading our flyers, pamphletes, among others.

As well known, the long march will be a big burden, will demand a multitude physical preparation, but we are convinced that after this there will be a wave of support from many elements of the society to the peasants and STR.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
STR campaign this time, reminds me of the Zapatistas 2006 campaign; the walk from Chiapas to Mexico City while carrying their causes and issues. There was also the chinese peasants 8000 miles long march that took one year. Is STR's walk inspired by the Zapatista, or a decision that STR and Riau peasants made together themselves?

Rinaldi (STR):
To us, those were sources of inspiration for the struggle of the peasants here. But, the peasants in Riau do not have a lofty target, because they (the Zapatistas), if I'm not mistaken, carried out a campaign that went for one year. So, the peasant action here is only intended to rally the moral of struggle among the peasants, and pass on messages among them to forge the struggle and unity among the peasants. STR also call on other peasants to bring themselves together in to organisations of peasant struggle so that they can fight corporate greed and its apparatus (the regional police). We are hopeful that after the action, there will be a wave of collective civil lawsuit to fight against the presence of PT Arara Abadi.

Of course, the success of this campaign will require the support of network and friends from outside; journalists, student activists, popular organisations, NGOs, as well as other parties that sympathise with this struggle.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO) :
How will STR draw support from the people in the villages that it pass, especially to support STR campaign and other peasants?

Rinaldi (STR) :
To draw support, we will hold a series of open discussion, spread flyers, calls. As for flyers, the content of the campaign will be updated once every two days. Our friends in Pekanbaru will write and print flyers, and then send them to us to be distributed. Everytime we will meet with peasants, whether it be on the streets, fields, as well as their houses, we will give them flyers, rally their spirit so that they will remain determined to defend and fight for their rights.

The peasants will also engage in discussion everytime they meet with other peasants. From limited meetings, from coffe stalls, from ear to ear, our message will eventually spread to everyone. From here, we hope that it will raise a common awareness of the importance to unite the struggle against common enemy.

Ulfa Ilyas (BO):
Is STR sure that the method will benefit Suluk Bongkal peasants and win their demands? Or there are other methods carried out in parallel with the walk?

Rinaldi (STR) :
Yes, this is only one among other stages that we call Back in Solid. In this stage, we will comb and solidify peasants that are still determined to fight on. Through the "long march", peasants from many villages will see that STR still exist and is still in the front line of the fight for peasants' rights. This will not only be carried out on STR basis, but also in areas that are not STR basis. Afterwards, after the end of this long march, we will carry out an evaluation, and discuss about the next method of struggle. We would like to point out here that Suluk Bongkal peasants and STR would carry the struggle not only in this way, but in many way, including holding mass protests at the regional police office and Riau governor.

After this, there will be a collective civil lawsuit, from organisations as well as individual peasants that are hurt by the presence of PT Arara Abadi. The point is, after this action there will be a renewed and multiplied spirit from the peasants, to carry on the struggle. The peasants will also better realise that the struggle for their rights require sacrifices and persistence.

-------

Considering the high need of logistics, the working committee for "300 km walk" asks for some moral as well as material support from anyone who sympathises with the peasants. Those who want to support the struggle of Riau peasants can do so by calling the information centre at +62-852-788-81387; support in the form of fund can also be transfered directly to the bank account below:

Bank Nasional Indonesia (BNI)
cabang/branch Pasar Pusat Pekanbaru
account number 011 939 8122
An./under the name: Rinaldi

Protest Letter Regarding Suluk Bongkal Incident (2)

2008-12-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

Stockholm, December 20, 2008

I hereby express my outrage against the atrocities committed by police
forces in Suluk Bongkal, Riau , Indonesia . On December 18, 2008 a group
farmers were attacked by a large group of police and hired thugs. Gun
shots and teargas were fired against the farmers. Two helicopters were
used in the attack, and there are reports that napalm was used in the
attack.

The farmers of Suluk Bongkal were evicted and made landless in 1997, as
the lands to which legally they inhabited and cultivated were transferred
to the Arara Abadi corporation in a highly corrupt fashion. Since 2007
the farmers, organized in the Riau Peasants Union (STR) have reclaimed
the lands that were stolen from them.

The December 18 attack was one in a series of attempts to break the
resolve of struggle of the Suluk Bongkal peasants. Putri, a 2-year old
child was killed in the attack. 700 houses have been burnt, 200 peasants
have been arrested and another 400 are hiding in the surrounding forests.

The December 18 attack has to be condemned, grave violations of human
rights were committed. The European Union and European governments have
to convey to the Indonesian government that this form of repression and
atrocities cannot be tolerated. Internationally, the support needs to be
mobilized in support of the Riau Peasant Union and the demand for
immediate release of all detainees.

In solidarity,

Jens Holm
Member of the European Parliament
www.jensholm.se/english

Protest Letter Regarding Suluk Bongkal Incident (1)

2008-12-23T01:31:00.001-08:00

AUSTRALIAN citizens are being informed about the gross violations of human rights and tremendous human rights abuses that are going on in Indonesia and the connections/support from the discredited US Bush government. It is time to reverse this horrific trend and to no longer support private business interests over the peoples/citizens interests and time to stop environmental damages also caused by private business interests destroying the vital forests of the world, and particularly, of "third world" countries...these forests are vital for the Earths survival...private business will not be able to buy their way or earn billions of dollars from the destruction they have wrought on us all. I call upon you all to not only support but act upon the resolution and claims of the National Students' League for Democracy (EN-LMND) as below....and to act now to bring the state based criminals to justice.

National Executives of the National Students' League for
Democracy (EN-LMND) declared

1. To condemn the Indonesian Police (POLRI) that have committed acts of
violence through the use of napalm to burn down settlements, shot and
arrested hundreds of Bongkal Suluk citizens. We demand that the Police
Chief shows his consistency in fighting thuggery and improves the image
of the Indonesian Police by dismissing, bringing to court and imposing
severe punishment to all his personnel involved in the incident;

2. To demand the national Police Chief to dismiss Riau Regional Police
Chief and bring Alex Mandalika - Riau Police Reskrim - to the Human
Rights Court for leading the act of violence.

3. Freeze PT Arara Abadi activities by cancelling its business permit,
and arresting and bringing to court the company's management; Revoke the
Ministry of Forestry Decision Letter (SK no.743/Kpts- II/1996)

4. Return the entire land that belongs to Suluk Bongkal Citizens'
customary rights; rehabilitate their houses and provide compensation to
all losses of their productive tools and farming lands.

5. Release without any condition 200 detained activists and citizens;

6. Demand that the National Human Right Commission (Komnas HAM)
conducted field investigation on the gross violation of Human Rights
carried out by the Police and PT Arara Abadi;

Democracy and welfare, now!

From concerned Australian citizen
Sanna Andrew

Vietnam war-bomb was dropped to the landless farmers in Indonesia

2008-12-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

It has been hundred years peasant community settled and make their living in Suluk Bongkal, Riau Province. But, On 18 December 2008 the community are hunted by the drop of Napalm bomb, gun fired and tears gases. In a few minutes 700 houses were in flame. 1000 hired thugs and 500 police were burst into the crowd.

Hundred of peasant families had lived in Suluk Bongkal area for hundred years. On 1991, government issued land certificate for each villages

In 1997, Arara Abadi corporation, a company that supply raw material to Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper, Sinar mas group, were given the rights to control over the land. Since that day, Arara Abadi is not only privilege to control over Suluk Bongkal area, but also hundred thousand hectares land in Riau province, While the farmers turn to be landless.

On mid of 2007, these landless peasant affiliated to Riau Peasent Union (STR) succeed to reclaim the land. Since that day, 800 people living in that reclaimed area of Suluk Bongkal, Bengkalis, Riau.

The incident began when police tried to arrest Riza Zuhelmy, STR chairperson, the masses tried to protect their leader. Police sent other troops to manage this situation and arrest ten peasant. Unable to control the situation, police chopper flew and dropped napalm bomb to peasant settlement. While the police troops were shut rubber bullet and tears gas to disperse the masses. The situation turned into panic. Hundreds peasant are arrested. Putri, a child aged 2,6 years was scared to death and run to the jungle. She later found lifeless, sunk in the dwell. After the masses are dispersed, bulldozer came to clean the ruins, and soon after that hired thugs occupied the land. This attack are directly led by head division of criminal of Riau Police head quarter, Alex Mandalika,

On that tragedy, 700 houses are turn to ash, 200 peasant are arrested and 400 peasant are hunted and hide.

Riau Peasent Union had filed land dispute case between people and Arara Abadi corporation to the Provincial administration since 2007. On May 15 2007 ministry of forestry issued S 319/Menhut-VI/2007 said that people who has been living before 1996 (the years of Arara Abadi land concession) may stay there and the area should be excluded from concession area.

Jhony Nelsen SImanjutak from National commission of human rights found the indication of human rights violation regarding the land dispute conflict between people and Arara Abadi in three sub district. National commission is now asking for information from 100 victim.

While Nurul Huda from Arara Abadi hoping that National Commission of Human Rights should ask second opinion from the company since the company operates as a regulation from government. Currently, 200 farmers are arrested.

Help the farmers, send your solidarity, protest letter to end the human rights violation. Send the letter to

Arara Abadi fax 0761-91320
National commission of human rights +62 21 3912026
Email: info@komnasham.go.id, webmaster@komnasham.go.id
Police headquarter of Riau Province +6276120084
Send the solidarity letter to Papernas@yahoo.com, serikat.tani.riau@gmail.com

LMND National Executives Condemn Police Burning 700 Citizens' Houses in Bengkalis, Riau

2008-12-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

On Thursday (18/12/08), two helicopters flew in circle and used napalm, the kind used by the US troops in Vietnam, against farmers' settlement in Dusun Solok Bongkal, Beringin Village, Sub-District Pinggir, Bengkalis, Riau. In seconds, about 700 citizens' houses were burnt down, along with the farming lands, productive tools, and furniture that could not be saved by their owners. Furthermore, about a thousand thugs and five hundreds armed police personnel were deployed to evict the citizens. Police opened fire not only to scare the citizens, but also aimed at them, so that two citizens were shot. Ironically, a toddler named Fitri (2 y.o.) was so frightened that she fell into a well and died. During the incident, about 200 citizens were arrested and detained at Mandau Police station, and about 400 more are hiding in the forest of Kampung Dalam, while surrounded by hundreds of police and thugs who hunt them like outlaws. Apparently, the Indonesian Police cooperation with the US military results in the former's use of napalm in a scorched earth against people's houses.

This inhuman and brutal act was carried out by the state apparatus, that is the The Police of the Republic of Indonesia, whose shoelaces were bought by money from the people. In the meantime, the police and a thousand of thugs evicted citizens without carrying any court's order, only an order (obviously with bribes) by a company, PT Arara Abadi. How can police serve the Law, if they easily ignore the Law to please big businesses?

According to the permit given by the government, PT Arara Abadi only holds management right, instead of ownership right, of the forest in the location. But in the development, PT Arara Abadi claimed ownership of the land, while the government turned a blind eye; therefore the affiliate of Sinar Mas Group has tried to evict the citizens many times, including sending thugs to do it. In reality, the five thousand hectares of land is under the settlers' customary/indigenous right (tanah ulayat), which historically has been recorded in formal documents; the majority of citizens own the proves of ownership of that land.

It is an unwritten law in this country that the government will always serve big businesses, and its apparatus (the Police and the Court) will be the protector aka uniformed thugs of their corporations. Similar incidents have happened for a long period of time in almost the entire country, but there has been no will by the parliament (DPR) or any other institution to investigate them.

With the incident in Bengkalis, Riau, we affirm that anti-thug campaign being promoted by the new Police Chief is simply a lie. It is impossible to eradicate thuggery (premanisme) if it is so closely attached to the existing police institution. Police's slogan "the protector, nurturer, at the service of the society" has been translated into a number of acts of violences against the civilians. The people do not see the Police as their protector but instead the enemy that violate their political and democratic rights, as well as their right to live.

Therefore, the National Executives of the National Students' League for Democracy (EN-LMND) declared

1. To condemn the Indonesian Police (POLRI) that have committed acts of violence through the use of napalm to burn down settlements, shot and arrested hundreds of Bongkal Suluk citizens. We demand that the Police Chief shows his consistency in fighting thuggery and improves the image of the Indonesian Police by dismissing, bringing to court and imposing severe punishment to all his personnel involved in the incident;

2. To demand the national Police Chief to dismiss Riau Regional Police Chief and bring Alex Mandalika - Riau Police Reskrim - to the Human Rights Court for leading the act of violence.

3. Freeze PT Arara Abadi activities by cancelling its business permit, and arresting and bringing to court the company's management; Revoke the Ministry of Forestry Decision Letter (SK no.743/Kpts-II/1996)

4. Return the entire land that belongs to Suluk Bongkal Citizens' customary rights; rehabilitate their houses and provide compensation to all losses of their productive tools and farming lands.

5. Release without any condition 200 detained activists and citizens;

6. Demand that the National Human Right Commission (Komnas HAM) conducted field investigation on the gross violation of Human Rights carried out by the Police and PT Arara Abadi;

Democracy and welfare, now!

Jakarta, 19 December 2008

Form Students' Council, Fight for Genuine Democracy

Lalu Hilman Afriandi
Chairperson

Agus Priyanto
Secretary General

Indonesia: Tracing a path towards parliament

2008-12-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

By Kelik Ismunanto

November 29, 2008 -- After such a long period of time in a vacuum, uncertain of how to respond to changes caused by neoliberal economic policies, little by little, democracy movement activists have been able to wrest back the political podium.

In the last few months, several national television stations provided a political stage for activists such as Dita Sari, Budiman Sujatmiko, Pius Lustrilanang and other young activists who are contesting the 2009 elections, to explain their reasons for choosing the parliamentary tactic.

Among young activists, there are opinions in favour and against this tactic.
Many activists have longed to fill the available political stage with their fresh ideas and concepts as a solution to the Indonesian nation’s problems. This longing has found a place to rest with the candidature of several activists.

Electoral tactic

The candidature of several activists was debated on TV screens. These include Dita, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PRD), under the banner of the Star Reform Party (PBR), as well as Budiman via the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and Pius through Gerindra.

Cynicism and mockery at the positions taken by Dita, Budiman and Pius, levelled by ex-comrades from the student movement of the 1990s, questions the effectiveness of the parliamentary tactic taken by [those] attempting to propel forward a mass popular movement — to a movement of the mass of people who are more and more thrown on the scrapheap of poverty.

The fact that today Indonesians are deprived of more and more of their basic rights as citizens and that the state is completely abrogating its duties to guarantee the welfare of the people helps to create cynicism among activists towards the state and its institutions such as parliament.

This is also because of past experience, where activists have entered parliament and promptly forgotten what they were fighting for, as if a line has been drawn between the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary movements, that somehow these two movements are fundamentally opposed and separate.

This might be true based on recent experiences, but if we look back through history and the experiences of other nations, let’s say that of Malaysia, such an assumption or prejudice is wrong.

In Malaysia, the combination and synergy between the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary movements were able to open up the democratic space that had been monopolised by the ruling party.

Post-1998

If we look back to the fall of the Suharto dictatorship in 1998, the democracy movement fragmented while the fake reformists were able to consolidate themselves.
Political elites and former bureaucrats in Suharto’s New Order regime were able to seize back the legal political space, for example through the setting up of new political parties or gaining other public positions.

Meanwhile, the democracy movement became more fragmented in various institutions, and activists became entrapped within the activities of each respective institution. Of course, part of the changes had to do with the fact that movement activists were getting older, with new challenges to face — such as having families to feed — and leaving behind the world of student politics.

Meanwhile the life of the people, who had been the driving force of the movement, was more and more destroyed by market economy policies implemented by successive post-Suharto governments.

The role of the state, which had in the past been able to ameliorate the effects of the global economy, is disappearing more and more. The role of providing regulation and protection that was still able to be performed by the Suharto regime began to be cast aside by policies forced on Indonesia by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Indonesia's natural resource wealth was more and more depleted thanks to the antics of the political elite and foreign corporations.

Farmers who sell on the open market scream at the kind of prices being paid for their products. Workers are facing a bleak future thanks to policies of outsourcing; the cost of education and health care rises and rises because of the withdrawal of subsidies.

These are recent problems that are growing acute, problems that didn’t taken on such massive dimensions under Suharto.

Ten years since the fall of Suharto and the height of the student reform movement, the movement has been at a loss in responding to sociological changes and consciousness of the masses that have been the result of the intensifying effects of the free market economy.

Activists have failed in formulating a concept of the basic problems confronting society today that could be the basis of a common platform. The parliamentary option chosen by some of the 1998 activists is a tactic aimed at a breakthrough to pierce the stagnation of the movement.
It has been shown that the important task of wresting back the people’s economic and social rights cannot be achieved simply through an extra-parliamentary movement. Parliament is the main edifice that needs to fortify the people against the ferocity of the free market.

To demarcate between parliamentary and extra-parliamentary roads is not the right solution for building the people’s movement.

As was explained by Dita Sari on television recently, the extra-parliamentary movement needs parliament to formalise the program they are struggling for.
Similarly, those who sit in parliament as genuine people’s representatives need those on the outside to pressure the entire parliament to act in the interests of the people, to respond to their needs.

A synergy between the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary sections of the movement is of absolute necessity.

[This article was published in the Indonesia newspaper Solo Pos on October 27, 2008. It was translated by Vannessa Hearman for Green Left Weekly. Kelik Ismunanto is a PRD leader and a former 1990s student activist.]

http://links.org.au/node/774

Solidarity Statement for Bolivia

2008-09-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Stop US Interference in Latin America;

Respect the National Sovereignty of the Bolivian People;

Forge Anti-Imperialist International Solidarity;

Last August, the Bolivian people show significant support for Evo Morales leadership in a referendum that gave him the mandate to extend, expand, and deepen social transformations carried out by the MAS party led government. He won 67.41% of votes in 95 out of 112 provinces across the country. The opposition, centred around an oligarchy of big businessmen, landlords and multinational supporters in four departments (Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija), has been fighting for autonomy and secession, fearing the encroachment of the Morales administration's progressive projects, which seeks to transfer the profit of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, from the hands of the transnationals and oligarchy to the Bolivian people.

Bolivia is a country rich in natural resources. Although it gained formal independence from Spanish colonialism since 1825, Bolivia today - particularly its numerical majority indegenous population - is still struggling to free itself from colonial racist mentality and US imperialism. Recently, the US made another vulgar intervention through its ambassador, Philip Goldberg, who publicly supported and actively backed right-wing groups by providing funds and logistic support, as well as directing the media to lead the coup. This is similar to US subversion in Venezuela in 2002, which cooperated with the oligarchy to overthrow Chavez, but with failed results. At this moment, Bolivian opposition's right-wing groups, supported by the US, are launching violent attack against the poor, Morales supporters; taking over and destroy public facilities; blockading the roads to disrupt distribution of goods; as well as bombing and shooting civilians in several places, such as at CEJIS office, an NGO that defends indigenous rights.

There are at least several reasons for US interference in the coup: first, the US wishes to stop Latin American integration process that will potentially create another international political bloc that would diminish US influence in the region, as well as internationally. Second, the US attempted to blockade or stop the influence of leftist governments - born out of people's rebellion against neoliberalism - particularly in hydrocarbon producing countries, such as Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador to safeguard US geopolitical interest and its corporations' control over raw materials and hydrocarbon.

Bolivian people's struggle to uphold their national sovereignty and control over natural resources have never been acknowledged and respected by the imperialist states, particularly the US. They, the US and its allies, not only do this to Bolivia and Latin America, but also to other countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe which attempt to be self-sufficient and self-reliance. In Indonesia, the intervention of the US and its transnational power have overthrown Sukarno's progressive government in the 60s and paved the way for full capitalist exploitation of Indonesia's natural and human resources. Up until now in Indonesia, the US remains the most powerful and dominant imperialist power that have been committing economic violence in its implementation of the "Washington Consensus", which have thrown more than half of the population to the abyss of poverty, destroyed domestic industries, and doomed the workers into exploitative working condition. Therefore, the Indonesian people also find itself in the midst of the struggle against imperialist domination.

In connection with increasing US intervention in the political crisis in Bolivia and Latin America in general, we the National Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS), who fights for the national liberation of Indonesia from the yoke of imperialism, declared the following:

1. to demand that the US immediately stop its intervention in destabilising Evo Morales government, - A government which was elected and given the mandate by the people of Bolivia to bring about changes in the country;

2. to demand the end of violence carried out by right-wing groups; fascists armed gangs, militias and other irregular organisations formed by the local rulers under US assistance;

3. to demand the UN to sanction and to press the US to withdraw from Bolivia and Latin America;

4. to call for the international community to strengthen its solidarity with the Bolivian people and Morales government by sending protest letters to any US representatives;

5. to support the struggle of the Bolivian people and the Morales government that strive to uphold its national sovereignty, to free itself from foreign interference and pressures that want to control Bolivia's natural resources.

To Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration:

1. To demand that the President file a protest to the US government, asking them to immediately withdraw from Bolivia and other regions in turmoil due to US interference;

2. To expel US ambassador for Indonesia as a form of solidarity for Bolivia, if the protest was not responded;

3. To start the process of expropriating US companies in Indonesia and directed them to serve the needs and welfare of the Indonesian people;

4. To forge cooperation with exploited countries in the world, as a way out from the domination of the US and its allies in international political arena.

Jakarta, September 18, 2008

Enough being a nation of coolies, rise up to be a sovereign nation!

Central Leadership Council - National Liberation Party of Unity

DPP-Papernas

Agus Jabo Priyono
Chairperson

Haris Sitorus
Secretary General

Minimum Commitment of The Star Reform Party (PBR) to The Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI)

2008-08-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

We cannot let the 2009 General Election pass without any proposal for popular programs of a clean government, free education and health that will in various way press the election; nor letting the people choose their political leader without any political guidance based on their [people's] own fundamental problems. It is the time for the people to raise their consciousness, from previously voting Party A because of its high-profile, handing out money, good in making promises, and others, into voting a political party because it commits itself to realise programs put forward by the people.

Today we, the Indonesia Poor Union (SRMI) challenge the Star Reform Party (PBR) to see whether they have the courage to sign the Minimum Commitment detailed below:

A. To fight for national sovereignty in terms of rigorously push and accelerate the recovery of the nation's assets upon which the livelihood of the majority of people depend, push and accelerate the effort to repudiate foreign debt, and the construction of National Industrialisation.

B. To fight for the eradication of Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism in the life of the nation.

C. To listen and take into account SRMI's aspiration in any policy decision making that affect the poor.

D. To fight for free health service in all Hospitals and Society Health Centres (Puskesmas) across Jakarta in terms that the poor will be guaranteed to always have health card, to be able to freely and easily use ambulance, without being charged for medications, medical supplies, and without experiencing inhuman treatment by Hospitals/Society Health Centres.

E. To fight for free education in State Elementary Schools, Junior High Schools,and High Schools across Jakarta in terms of free registration, tuition (SPP), Education Development (BP3), re-registration, books, uniforms, and final tests (UAN).

F. To protect the poor in the entire Jakarta region from threats of eviction that offer no solution agreed by the poor.

G. To fight for the acceleration of rural economy development in order to reduce poverty in Jakarta.

If it will later show that these minimum commitments are not realised, then we, the poor organised under the Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI), will demand, control and exert direct pressure. Moreover, if some of our minimum comitment are betrayed, we will call to all the poor in Jakarta to not hesitate to withdraw their mandate and take the initiatives into their hands.

Jakarta, 2 August 2008

Acknowledged by

Bursa Zarnubi - PBR General Chairperson

Witnessed and signed by

Marlo Sitompul - SRMI General Chairperson

R. M. Syafi'i - PBR Deputy General Chairperson

Rusman H M - PBR General Secretary

Mr Sukardy - Head of Neighbourhood Association (RT) 7/5 of Pejagalan District

Mr Muchtar - Head of Neighbourhood Association (RT) 9/1 of Duri Utara Tambora District

People Accuse Front and Makassar Port Peddlers Protest Local Parliament

2008-08-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

(Tribun-Makassar) - Peddlers from Makassar Port and a number of students from the People Accuse Front (FRM) protested in front of Makassar provincial house of representatives (DPRD) on Friday (1/8)

Protesters came from various groups such as the National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), National Front of Indonesian Labour Struggle (FNPBI) and Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI) South Sulawesi.

They protested against port authority's - PT Pelindo IV - forcible and inhuman relocation against them, which was carried out rather violently by security personnel in cooperation with the state owned liner, PT Pelni.

The peddlers did not object being relocated as long as they were given a good location or allowed to sell while keeping their surrounding clean.

The Provincial Parliament's Commission A Chairperson, A Yusuf Gunco, promised to summon representatives from Pelindo and Makassar Municipal. "Peddlers are welcomed to do business as long as they abide the rules and keep everything clean while waiting for the result of a meeting to be held next Tuesday," he said.

PT Pelindo IV General Manager, Arusi Rahman, explains that the relocation was done to visually improve and arrange port area as well as to transform Makassar Port as an international port.

Poor Protests Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and ExxonMobil

2008-07-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

(Jakarta, 10/07) On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of poor from the Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI), mostly mothers and their children, came to ExxonMobil HQ located on the capital's main street, Sudirman street. SRMI Jakarta Chairperson, Hendri, said that Indonesia is actually a rich country endowed with all kinds of natural resources enough to prosper its people. "However, these resources do not reach the hands of people," he added, "but instead were handed over by Yudhoyono and Kalla to foreign capital owners, like ExxonMobil. Because they and some political elites, like those in Golkar and Demokrat Party, are more willing to be 'lackeys' to foreign interests, the people must themselves move to demand the nationalisation of foreign-controlled extractive sector."

Bilal Muhammad, LMND Jakarta Chairperson, supported the protest by saying that nationalisation has received wide support from various groups in the movement and has become common demand in student actions. Similarly, Desi Arisanti, Central FNPBI General Secretary spoke of the need for the people to monitor the inquiry into fuel price, because it can open the door to solve the 'intricacy' of current pro-foreign-interest energy policy.

The protest then moved to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office in one of Jakarta's business district, Kuningan. In front of KPK office, protesters sang revolutionary songs and yelled their demands. Rudi Hartono, one of LMND National Executives spoke: "If KPK previously succeeded in breaking through the parliament wall to snatch some Members of Parliament involved in cases of corruptions and bribes; now KPK has to prove itself capable of fighting corruption by monitoring and supervising all members sitting in the Fuel Inquiry Special Committee, which can easily be bought off." Roads to inquiry have often stopped halfway due to the betrayals of parties and political lobbies involving 'bribes' for the special committees. "Considering the inquiry is a matter of utmost importance, it is very regretful if it has to stop due to bribery. The inquiry must be carried out to the end and national sovereignty over natural resource must be upholded as stated on Article 33 of 1945 Constitution" he added.

KPK eventually received five representatives from SRMI and People Accuse Front (FRM) for a dialogue. However, using old excuses and cliches, KPK refused to sign an MoU to monitor and control Fuel Price Special Committee. According to Lalu Hilman Afriandi, FRM coordinator, KPK's refusal is evidence that KPK favors certain cases. "KPK has the courage to inquire into cases with small political consequences, but avoid big cases, especially those that will shake Yudhoyono-Kalla" he explained. The refusal made protesters yelled that KPK is "coward", "discriminate cases", "not for the people, and "Yudhoyono-Kalla's tool".

Labour Press Inquiry Into Fuel Price Rise, Denounce Pro-Neoliberal Golkar-Demokrat

2008-07-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

(Jakarta 30/06) Hundreds of workers from the National Front of Indonesian Labour Struggle (FNPBI) staged a protest action at Exxon Mobil HQ in Jakarta to demand the nationalization of oil industries.

Afterwards, the workers moved the protest to the House of Representatives. They demanded that the government cancel fuel price increase, nationalize mining industry, and abolish foreign debt.

On June 24, the majority of house members - mostly, but not all, from opposition parties - voted for an inquiry into the fuel price rise. Meanwhile, two parties; Golkar Party (which support the Vice President, Jusuf Kalla) and Democrat Party (which support President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) rejected the inquiry.

The protesters demanded an inquiry into the intervention of foreign corporation in Indonesian energy crisis and called upon the people of Indonesia not to elect parties that take side with foreign interests, support fuel price increase, and vote against parliament's right for inquiry against the SBY-JK (Golkar & Demokrat) government.

STATEMENT by FNPBI

Cancel fuel price rise. Nationalize oil, gas and mining industries, and abolish foreign debt; No to pro-neoliberal parties (Golkar/Demokrat); Implement nation-wide minimum wage as the solution for increasing labour welfare!

Government has announced the fuel price increase that led to the rise of transportation cost and prices of basic goods. On the other side, indicators of people's welfare such as income level and purchasing power are experiencing a decline. According to some economic analysts, the 30% fuel price rise will shoot up inflation rate from 8.33% to 10.6%. The Institute of Study for Mining and Energy Reform predicted that 30% fuel price increase will likely throw 15.68 millions people into poverty.

The Indonesian Enterpreneurs Association, APINDO, stated that they can no longer adjust wages to face fuel price rise. Entrepreneurs only agree to add transportation and meal support. However, economic burden is not only about transport and meal, more than those!

Indonesian labour is currently facing several challenges: First, the current wage policy is unable to compete with price increases. Second, the national industries which both entrepreneurs and labours depend on also suffer tremendous hit from fuel price increase policy. Under those conditions, there is no choice but to fight to cancel fuel price increase and to rescue national industries.

Legislative Plenary meeting on 24th of June has agreed to use their right to open an inquiry into national oil and gas industries. Two political parties, Golkar and Demokrat, rejected the inquiry right, thus revealing their true character: puppets of foreign corporations. Political and financial institutions such as USAID and World Bank are behind this government. In 2001, these institutions used large amount of aid to change our oil and gas legislation. Golkar and Democrat Party are complicit in liberalizing our economy policy!

In relation to the use of inquiry right in the parliament, labour should asserts that; first, the legislatures reaffirm their commitment to push the government for immediate cancellation of fuel price rise. This measure needs to be accompanied by the passing of a decree to nationalize foreign-controlled mining and energy industry in order to supply domestic energy demand. The government could also increase royalty tax up to 40% for foreign contractors so that windfall profit can be used to maximise national income and overcome state budget deficit. Second, legislatures' commitment to solve the enduring problem of our oil and gas industry needs to be followed by ensuring a system that control our nation's entire natural resources. The management and marketing of these sectors must prioritize national needs. Therefor, the legislatures shall agree to withdraw Law 22/2001 on Oil and Gas and Law 25/2007 on Foreign Investment. Third, state's endeavour to extract maximum profit from oil and gas sector needs to be followed by the transfer of that profit to education, health care, subsidy for basic needs, and national minimum wage standard.

All this time, the indonesian government has no resolute concept regarding energy and mineral (mining rights) against foreign companies. Using the lack of capital and technology as pretext, the government has handed over the right to manage energy and mineral resources into the hands of foreign companies, without considering such concepts as transfer of technology and autonomous economic system.

The labour has interest in the state-management system of oil and gas industry for the development of national industries. High productivity of national industry would also strengthen the position of national labour. This would come true only if our economy has been released from the grip of neoliberal economy

Therefore, FNPBI states these following demands :

1) Cancel fuel price increase

2) Nationalize mining and energy industries and abolish foreign debt.

3) Cancel or rewrite all contracts with foreign energy and mining companies in such a way as to benefit the people and domestic industries by attaching clauses that maximize benefit, technology transfer, and tax increase (royalty). Prioritizing national need is an obligation.

4) Develop national industries, especially oil and gas industry, petrochemical industry, natural resources management, etc.

5) Release the detained student activists and civilians! Investigate the death of Maftuh Fauzi.

6) Leave political elites that take side with foreign interests, parties that support fuel increase and reject inquiry right against SBY-JK government (Golkar and Demokrat)!

7) Implement national minimum wage standard based on proper living standard, as a solution to improve labour welfare!

8) Build a National Front that involves all people and political parties that are against the political elites who support foreign interests!

For new economic system!

Jakarta, 28th of June 2008

National Front of Indonesian Labour Struggle

Protest Action to Cancel Fuel Price Rise Clashes

2008-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

(Jakarta, elemende-online: 24/06/2008) While the parliamentary session filled with debates about the use of “inquiry right” into government's recent fuel price hike measure, outside the House of Representatives, thousands of people from several groups, including FRM (People Accuse Front), staged mass protest action.

Hundreds of protesters under FRM started the action at noon. They burnt used tires outside of the main entrance gates of the parliament compound. FRM demanded the government to immediately cancel fuel price rise and investigate the death of Maftuh Fauzi.

Maftuh Fauzi , was arrested on May 23 during a fuel price hike protest. He passed away on June 23, with bruises on his head. The Indonesian Doctor Association is currently investigating the cause of his death.

Police used water-cannon against protesters and they responded by throwing rock to the police.

On 02.00 pm. Thousands of protesters from Cross Generation Activist Gathering (Tali Geni) arrived in front of the Legislative House and joined with FRM masses.

The tension grew as Police repeatedly sprayed water canon to the masses. Masses from FRM and Tali Geni pushed the gate and managed to bring down the side gate. As crowd of students and people tried to enter the House of Representatives compound, clash with the Police became unavoidable. Many protesters got beaten and wounded on their head, arms, and shoulder.

The traffic was totally jammed along the capital main street, Gatot Subroto Street, as the clash happened. An activist from IAIN campus in Jambi, Arpi, was hit by a patrol car. Police chased and caught several student protesters. They attacked masses of students that was retreating to two directions. One group moved to Slipi-Grogol, West Jakarta, while another to Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The latter tried to blockade the main road in front of Atmajaya University.

At the time of writing, 10 activists were arrested in front of Atmajaya campus, three activists in front of the House of Representatives, ten were injured, and one was hit by a patrol car.

Workers strike at Balihai Brewery Indonesia Company.

2008-06-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

(13/07) Since June 9, more than 30 workers from PT Balihai Brewery Indonesia who are members of the FNPBI carried out a strike after the company single handedly laid off STBK FNPBI chairperson and secretary, and relocated the rest of the unionists.

The company's union busting became evident after the company intimidated the workers by telling them that their strike, which demanded that FNPBI's chairperson and secretary be re-employed, was illegal and threatened to lay off all strikers. The strike captain and SBTK chairperson, Agus Mulyadi, rejected the threat by saying that "our strike is legitimate because it is carried out according to the law. It is company's threat to lay off the workers which is illegal because they have not shown any intention to set up any prior negotiation”. Because there is strong indication of union busting, the workers decided to continue the strike. "The company didn’t gives us any choice besides continuing the strike” said Agus.

According to the latest update, the beer producing company that is located on Raya Tambun Street Km. 39,7, Bekasi, is forcing itself to continue the operation even with some of its workers on strike, including the laboratory division responsible to ensure that the products meet the government regulated standard of alcohol and microbiological content

Updates on Hunger Strikes

2008-06-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Protests continues as 28% average fuel price increase has really made people's life more difficult. The government still has not shown any concern on the situation, while progressive activists keep carrying out protest actions and more hunger strikers fell incapacitated.

(01/06) in Kudus, Central Java, an LMND activist, Afit, had to be taken to hospital. The same incident happened to Venus Jupiter, a LMND activist from Palembang, as well as two activists from Lampung, Amir (UKMBS UBL) and Dedy (FORDIMA).

In Semarang, a protest post that was left by its two incapacitated strikers on May 31st, received fresh reinforcements from 11 people from LMND and SRMI, although the protest was planned to stop on June 3rd. In Jakarta, a fuel price post was set up in Salemba Street for 3 days and was ended by speeches.

Updates on Students' Hunger Strike Against Fuel Price Rise

2008-06-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

(May 26) Hunger strikes in various provinces to demand the cancellation of oil price rise have succeeded in gaining broad sympathy from students and people living near the hunger strike posts. These posts put up banners titled “nationalise mining industries, repudiate foreign debt and leave any government that is pro-foreign interest (Golkar Dan Demokrat party)” received good responses. In Surabaya at Airlangga University, the hunger strike was opened by riding bicycles around the city. To accompany the hunger strike, some students in the Diponegoro University, Semarang, spread a plain white banner on which people can write their support.

Meanwhile in front of the campus of Social and Political Science Institute (IISIP) in Jakarta, white banner put up at the hunger strike post was quickly filled with writings of support from not only students but also locals who express their grievances of today’s economic situation. Some have even donated some money to support the hunger strike.

A significant number of hunger strikers had to be taken to the hospital.

(28/05) All hunger strikers in Jakarta were ordered to stop their strike after having been diagnosed with digestion problems. “Moreover these strikers were activists that used to actively take to the streets to protest oil price rise, consequently their physiques were weak since the beginning,” said Nugo, Jakarta hunger strike post coordinator.

(May 30) In Palembang, 3 out of 6 hunger strikers remain on strike, meanwhile 3 strikers - Reinhard (LMND), Fransiskus (STN), and Tison (SRMI) - in Siantar and one in Semarang had to be taken to hospital. A striker from Lampung, Doni (SRMI), was hospitalised after suddenly fell unconscious.

In Palu, Central Sulawesi, the hunger strike post located at the Provincial House of Representatives building was destroyed during a clash between students and police, when the LMND regional chairperson was beaten and arrested. At the time of writing (May 31), hunger strikes continue in Siantar Riau, Semarang, Salatiga, Kudus, and Semarang.

Hunger strike to refuse oil price rise

2008-05-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

The resistance to refuse petrol price rise has been continuously sparking

Though the Indonesia government had officially announced fuel price rise on May 23, 2008, resistance kept spreading across the country.

Today, the National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), an organisation member of the National Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS), together with various student organizations started hunger strikes in 14 provinces to refuse fuel price rise as well as to demand the nationalisation of oil and mining industries.

The hunger strike takes place in campuses in Jakarta, Bandung (West Java province), Salatiga, Purwokerto and Semarang (Central Java province) Surabaya (East Java), Lampung province , Palembang (South Sumatra province), Makassar and Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi), Manado (North Sulawesi), Palu (Central Sulawesi provinces), Kendari (South-east Sulawesi Provinces), Mataram (West Nusatenggara), Labuhan Batu (North Sumatera Provinces), Pekan Baru, Riau Province, Gorontalo (Gorontalo Provinces).

Fuel Price Protest Turns To Clash; 8 Students Arrested

2008-05-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

by Ulfa Ilyas, an LMND activist

May 23; Semarang, Central Java - About 200 protesters from Students and People Accuse Front demonstrated in front of Central Java Provincial parliament in Semarang. The action front, consisted of LMND, GMNI, HMI, PMII, and KAMMI, protested against fuel price rise and condemn it as a form of imperialist interest in Indonesia.

Police blockaded protesters in front of the gate. Pushings between protesters and police caused some broken windows in the building. This resulted in a clash with police that attacked and beat protesters from People Accuse Front.

According to information from Hengky F Matan, LMND regional secretary-general, 8 protesters were arrested during the demonstration while many were injured after being kicked and dragged by police during the arrest.

Those who were arrested are Rahmat Sutopo (LMND Semarang Municipal Chairperson), Darmawan Iskandar (LMND Semarang Regional Chairperson), Ali (GMNI), Ruben (GMNI), Zen (PMII), Topik (PMII), Toni (PMII).

Realising that their friends were being taken away, protesters tried to block police truck that carried 8 arrested activists. But police managed to restrain them and some were injured from getting hit by the truck.

Notes:

LMND - National Students' League for Democracy
GMNI - Indonesian Nationalist Students' Movement
PMII - Indonesian Moslem Students' Movement
KAMMI - Indonesian Moslem Students' United Action
HMI - Moslem Students' Association

Statement of the People Accuse Front (FRM)

2008-05-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

Release all activists of FRM, FIS Mercubuana, FORKOT, and FRM/LMND detained in various parts of Indonesia!
Reject Fuel Price Increase!
Reduce Prices of Basic Needs!
Fight Neoliberal Policies and Kick-Out Its Lackeys!

Since the government proposed its plan to raise fuel price, waves and waves of mass actions spread all over Indonesia. The rejection has reached and involved almost all poular sectors such as workers, peasants, poor, students, fishermen, and small businesses. It has been expressed in various creative ways like hijacking a fuel tank, sealing fuel/gas stations, sit-ins, rallies, and petitions. Those were the means by which students and the people deal with government's measures that does not have the slightest care for people aspirations.

Ini several places, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice-President Jusuf Kalla (SBY-JK) through their coercive apparatus (Police/Army) carried out brutal attacks resulting in clashes with anti fuel price increase protests. In Bima, NTB, 11 activists were arbitrarily detained. In Manado, North Sulawesi, three people were arrested during a protest against fuel price increase. In Ternate, North Mollucas, police dispersed a protest rally and arrested 14 protesters.*

In Jakarta, the People Accuse Front (FRM) had carried out several anti-fuel price rise protests on May 12th, 20th, and 21st. On the 20th, thirteen activists from FIS and Mercubuana who were about to join FRM rally from Hotel Indonesia roundabout to State Palace, were arrested for no apparent reason. Today (May 21st) 18 FRM activists were also arrested and beaten by police. The 18 activists currently detained in Jakarta Police HQ are Bilal Muhammad (LMND), Maximilian Renaldo (LMND), Wahyu, Ilal, Teddy, Aris, Humuntal, Murherodian, Chubal, Hadi, Iksan, Ferdinand, Irvan, Bimbi, Eko, Hardi, Syarifuddin, and Murdani. Police had also arrested tens of activists from City Forum (FORKOT) who also demonstrated against fuel price increase.

Police's arrests and brutal attacks against the masses that reject fuel price rise are evidences of SBY-JK fear and reactionary measures in dealing with students and people's protests.It also affirmed our conviction on the powerful foreign interests behind the fuel price rise plan. This foreign interest manifested itself in the form of control over Indonesia's petroleum fields, and oil and gas export orientation that serve energy demands of developed countries at the expense of scarce domestic supply. Up to this day, Indonesia's natural wealth especially oil and gas has poured into pockets of foreign transnationals such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, CNOOC, ConocoPhilips, and many more. Foreign intervention in the nation's hydrocarbon management is clearly seen in the Law 21 year 2001 on Oil and Gas, and Law 25 year 2008 on Capital Investment. Neoliberal economic figures, ministers, and their supporting political parties stubbornly defended the exploitation of the Indonesian people. They are the real culprit of current economic disaster. It is them that police should arrest and detain for being lackeys of foreign interests, selling off the nation's sovereignty and independence to imperialist powers.

Fuel price increase will bring destructive impacts on the Indonesian people's livelihood. Prices will soar further despite the already high basic need prices due to food crisis. Fuel price increase will also negatively affect the manufacturing industry, one of the pillars of national productive forces. Rising production costs will increase higher farming equipments and fertilizers. The Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) program will not in any way alleviate the negative impacts of fuel price increase because the value received by BLT recipients is almost nothing compared to the skyrocketing expenses caused by the increase.

Faced with problems above, the most appropriate way for the people to fight and reject the policy is through - like it or not - direct mass actions in the streets. Statements from SBY-JK that seeks to discredit people's protests are signs that the pro-imperialist regimes is getting more and more afraid of losing people's legitimacy, hence their downfall. There is no other way, the people must initiate a new way - a new economic direction, and a new government!

Therefore, we, the People Accuse Front, put forth these demands:

1. Release 18 FRM activists detained yesterday (May 21): Bilal Muhammad (LMND), Maximilian Renaldo (LMND), Wahyu, Ilal, Teddy, Aris,
Humuntal, Murherodian, Chubal, Hadi, Iksan, Ferdinand, Irvan, Bimbi, Eko, Hardi, Syarifuddin, and Murdani; 13 activists of FIS and
Mercubuana, tens of City Forum (FORKOT) activists, and tens of activists from FRM and LMND detained in other parts of the country.

2. Cancel government's plan to raise fuel price and cut prices of basic needs.

3. Fight neoliberal policies and kick out pro-neoliberal political - ministers and political parties - and economic power.

Jakarta, May 22nd 2008
People Accuse Front - Front Rakyat Menggugat (FRM)
Spokeperson: Lalu Hilman Afriandi (HP +62 818467080)

* Due to some misunderstanding in communication, when reports received from other parts of the country were urgent and sometimes, unfortunately, not very consistent, we made a mistake by claiming that all 14 protesters arrested in Ternate were LMND members. Only one of the fourteen arrested was LMND activist, although LMND's role in the protest was prominent. Apology for the mistake.

News Roundup of May 21 Nation-wide Actions from People Accuse Front

2008-05-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Waves of protests against government's plan to raise fuel price are intensifying. They have spread to and involved almost all popular sectors (workers, students, peasants, and urban poor), several national political elites and economic figures. Below is a compilation of news on the actions of People Accuse Front (FRM) and National Students' League for Democracy (LMND) on May 21 across the country.

Jakarta: around 150 FRM protesters that camped on the Proclamation Monument continued their action to reject fuel price rise. They started the protest at HI roundabout and walked to the State Palace. While marching, the crowd chanted yells rejecting fuel price increase. In the State Palace, thousands of other demonstrators had already been protesting. FRM protesters tried to carry out a protest right in front of the palace, but police equipped with shields and helmets restrained them. Clash was unavoided. Several demonstrators and police engaged in physical fight. Eighteen protesters were arrested by the Police, two of whom were LMND activists (Reno and Bilal), the rest were from FAMRED and '98 Youth Front. A moment later, FRM protesters regrouped and engaged in sit-in protest. At the time of the writing, 18 FRM activists are still detained at Jakarta Regional Police.

Bandung, West Java: Protest against government's fuel price increase plan was carried out by about 50 LMND West Java activists. They started the protests from UNPAD campus and walked to Gedung Sate to hold demonstration rejecting the fuel price rise plan. Leonard, LMND spokeperson, said that SBY-JK do not have any reason to raise the fuel price. If world's fuel price rocketed, Indonesia should be able to reap the wind-fall profit, but since almost all of our oil and gas fields are controlled by foreign companies, Indonesia had to carry the burden being an oil importing country. Furthermore, Leonard concluded, the government should nationalise mining industry for energy security and as the basis for national industrialisation.

At Gedung Sate, LMND protesters and police engaged in pushings and later clashed as police beat and dispersed the protest. Five LMND activists suffered from minor wounds.

Palu, Central Sulawesi: about 30 people from the People's Anti Fuel Price Rise Movement carried out a demonstration in front of the provincial parliament. The coalition consisted of LMND and SRMI. They demanded that the government cancelled the plan to raise fuel price. Ahimsa, one of LMND Central Sulawesi executives, said in his speech: "We demand that the government nationalise foreign mining industry and repudiate foreign debt"

Kendari, South East Sulawesi: Protests against fuel price plan were carried out by the People Accuse Front (FRM) at Unhalu campus and later walked to the provincial parliament. FRM in Kendari consisted of LMND, SRMI, FMPR, AMIK Yappenas, and AMIK Catur Sakti. In front of Unhalu campus, protesters blocked the street before heading to the parliament. FRM Kendari rejected fuel price rise as it will bring more burden to the people and destroy the domestic industry. They demanded also the nationalisation of mining industry and cancellation of foreign debt.

Bima, NTB: Hundreds of protesters from LMND, SMI, and BPM STIKIP Bima carried out another protest against government's fuel price plan. However, the protest abruptly repressed by police that suddenly dispersed the masses and arrested some protesters. Eleven LMND protesters were detained.

Makassar, South Sulawesi: Thousands of people from People Accuse Front (FRM) South Sulawesi demonstrated in front of the house of Jusuf Kalla, the vice president, and headquarter of PT. Inco. The crowd consisted of students, workers, peasants, and poor rejected fuel price rise that will squeeze people's economy. Muhammad Anshar, chairperson of South Sulawesi Papernas, stated that the price increase happens because we do not have any energy security. Almost our entire mining sectors, especially oil and gas, is controlled by foreign corporations. The government must take a step by nationalising foreign-controlled mining industries as a way out of the energy crisis and imperialist domination.

Toraja, South Sulawesi: Six hundreds protesters from Tana Toraja Students' Alliance occupied the local parliament to reject the fuel price rise. The masses consisted of LMND Tana Toraja, UKI BEM, AKBID, AKPER, BEM STAKN Rantepao. Students' protests were also supported by their professors, who joined them. "The government do not have to raise fuel price rise!" yelled the protest leader. Paskah Linting, LMND Tana Toraja executive member, stressed that the government must have the courage to nationalise foreign owned mining industry and reject the payment of foreign debt that has taken up a big chunk of the state budget.

Protesters pressured members of parliament and Tana Toraja government to release a statement rejecting the fuel price rise. The parliament had planned to have a session in the following day to talk about the statement. Therefore, the protesters planned to return and bring more people to flank and pressure the local parliament during the session to write the rejection statement.

Manado, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of people from LMND, PRD, Papernas, and FNPBI carried out protest action against fuel price rise. Besides demanding nationalisation of mining industry, they also promoted the change in direction movement that seeks for new economic system, new president, and new government.

The peaceful protest suddenly stopped by police that restrained and beat protesters. Three LMND and Papernas activists were arrested after the clash. They are Ances from PRD, and Irman Hayun and Aman from LMND.

Bandar Lampung, Lampung: Dozens of organisations such as LMND, SPKL, SRMI, LPRKROB, UKM UBL, HIPMAWAN, SEMA Lambar, BEM STIKIP, STN, BEM FH-UTB, WALHI, FORMALAT, RESCO, KALAM-PBR, BEM UML, and LIMA protested the fuel price rise plan and demanded nationalisation of foreign owned mining industry. The protest went peacefully and uninterrupted by incidents of police repression.

Surabaya, East Java: Protests against government fuel price rise plan were carried out in waves. The first one was carried out by dozens of FPPI activists with street theatrical performance in front of the Grahadi building. Afterwards, 70 people from LMND Surabaya demonstrated in front of the Suryo Statue. Enjang, LMND spokeperson, said that the action is part of the national action against government's fuel price policy. She said that the government does not need to raise the fuel price as many options are still available, but that requires courage, which SBY-JK and their supporting parties (Golkar-Partai Demokrat) have no capacity to take.

Dozens of LMND Surabaya activists laid down on the street in front of the Suryo Statue. According to the protest leader, Hadi, it symbolises people's suffering from high fuel price.

Kudus, Central Java: Dozens of LMND activists in Kudus held a protest against fuel price rise at the city square. An LMND activist, Wahyu, in his speech call for more actions to take over foreign mines throughout Indonesia.

Medan, North Sumatra: Hundreds of people from the Poor People Front of Struggle (FPRM) demonstrated against fuel price rise in front of the provincial parliament. Protesters that consist mostly of the poor, workers, and peasants, carried out their main demand to reject the fuel price rise, reduce basic goods price, and nationalise foreign owned mines. At the provincial parliament, FRM protesters joined with other groups and student organisations and driver organisations (KESPER).

Semarang, Central Java: FRM's anti fuel price rise protest was carried out by LMND, SRMI, and Papernas. Hundreds of FRM protesters demonstrated in front of the provincial parliament, condemning the SBY-JK government as imperialist puppet. They burnt pictures of the president as a form of protest.

Salatiga, Central Java: Hundreds of protesters from Indonesian Coalition, consisted of LMND, PMII, and several local NGOs, demonstrated in front of the local parliament to reject government's fuel price plan and to demand that SBY-JK resign.

Purwokerto, Central Java: Hundreds of protester from KAMMI, LMND, HMI-MPO, GMNI, SMI and FMN carried out action to reject the fuel price rise as it will destroy the livelihood of the Indoneisan people, mostly workers, peasants, and the poor.

Ternate, North Mollucas: Anti-fuel price rise action carried out by around 500 people from LMND, BEM Fakultas se-UNKHAIR, GAMHAS, LISMI, HMI, SAMURAI initially went peacefully until police dismissed the protest by force. Fourteen* protesters were arrested.

The protest demanded that the government cancel fuel price increase because it will only burden the people. The government was also condemned for unable to stand up against foreign domination in the economy and mining sector. After the clash with police, protesters returned to campus to consolidate and plan for bigger action. At the time of the writing, all 14 activists are still detained in Ternate Police Resort.

Palembang, South Sumatra: Dozens of activists that called themselves the Palembang People Accuse Movement (GPRM) carried out action against fuel price increase in the provincial parliament and governor's office. The coalition consistsed of Prabam, LMND, and PMII. In their speeches they not only reject the fuel price plan and demand SBY-JK resignation, but also press for nationalisation of foreign owned mining as a solution to tackle fuel crisis.

Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta: Hundreds of protesters from People United Committee (KRB) carried out a protest against fuel price increase in front of the Agung building. KRB consisted of various social movement organisations in Yogyakarta. Alba, LMND Yogyakarta activist, said that the people and students will intensify anti-fuel price rise actions. Police abruptly attacked the protest resulting several protesters injured and one arrested.

* Due to some misunderstanding in communication, when reports received from other parts of the country were urgent and sometimes, unfortunately, not very consistent, we made a mistake by claiming that all 14 protesters arrested in Ternate were LMND members. Only one of the fourteen arrested was LMND activist, although LMND's role in the protest was prominent. Apology for the mistake.

Dozens Arrested and Wounded As Police Repress Anti Fuel Price Rise Actions

2008-05-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

May 21, Jakarta:

Commemorating a decade of Suharto's fall and protesting against government's plan to increase fuel price, some organisations from the People Accuse Front (FRM) that had stayed overnight in the Proclamation Monument, like LMND and GMNK, joined with other groups of demonstrator and action fronts in the Hotel Indonesia roundabout. At about 2 pm, the crowd reached up to thousands* and marched to State Palace. Masses from FRM positioned themselves in the front line and the entire crowd chanted yells demanding the president to make a decree that nationalise oil, gas, and mining industry to meet domestic need for fuel. In front of State Palace, pushings between protesters and police turned into a major clash as police repressed the crowd and arrested 18 students from LMND, FAMRED, and GMNK. Up until now, nobody has been released.

A student from University of Indonesia also reportedly suffered from shot wound in stomach and is currently being hospitalised.

Bima, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB):

Protesters from LMND, SMI, and BPM STKIP Bima started their protest in the morning by marching from STKIP Bima to a major intersection in the city. When performing theatrical protest, some police came and ordered them to dismiss themselves because of not having any permit. When protesters started to head to the Municipal Parliament, police dispersed the crowd, causing clash and arrest against 11 people with dozens wounded. Up until now, nobody has been released.

Manado, North Sulawesi:

Three activists were arrested by police, of which one was from PRD. Nobody has been released.

Please send your solidarity and support by sending your protest demanding that the detainees be released to the address below:

Indonesia National Police Headquarters
Fax: +62-21-7218144
SMS: +62-818-315703
Email: info@polri.go.id

List of Acronyms:

PRD - People's Democratic Party - Partai Rakyat Demokratik
FAMRED - Students' Action Front for Reform and Democracy - Front Aksi Mahasiswa untuk Reformasi dan Demokrasi
GMNK - Nationalist Popular Students' Movement - Gerakan Mahasiswa Nasional Kerakyatan
LMND - National Students' League for Democracy - Liga Mahasiswa Nasional untuk Demokrasi
SMI - Indonesia Stundents' Union - Serikat Mahasiswa Indonesia
BPM STKIP - Students' Representatives Body of Higher School for Education Knowledge - Badan Perwakilan Mahasiswa dari Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pendidikan

*After further cross checking, the number of people at this point was not as high as what was reported earlier (6,000), therefore we decided to correct it (thousands). Apology for the mistake.

People Accuse Front Surround State Palace

2008-05-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

By Ulfa Illyas from Media Bersama
translated by Data Brainanta

On May 20, National Awakening Day, waves of mass actions rejecting the fuel price increase gained ground. In Jakarta, around 8000 people united under the People Accuse Front (Front Rakyat Menggugat) carried out protests from the Hotel Indonesia roundabout to the State Palace. They come from such organisations as the National Front of Indonesian Workers' Struggle (FNPBI), National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas), National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI), Indonesian Peasant Council (DTI), PRODEM, Democracy Struggle Volunteers, Students' Action Front for Reform and Democracy (FAMRED), Indonesian Christian Students' Movement (GMKI), Indonesian Nationalist Students' Movement (GMNI), Moslem Student Association (HMI), Indonesian Buddhist Students' Association (HikmahBudhi), ISBO, GMNK, FAM Untirta, and others.

Representatives of some organisations gave political speeches. Banners and flags contained demands for the nationalization of mining industries. They also promoted what they called the Change in Direction Movement, which is a new economic system, a new president, and a new political party.

Dita Indah Sari, chairperson of the People's Democratic Party, said that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Yusuf Kalla's plan to raise fuel prices for the third time during their period in office is the fruit of a political and economic system that yields to foreign interests. About 90% of Indonesia's oil and gas fields are controlled by foreign multinationals. Meanwhile, the profit-sharing between the government and the corporations is not channeled to meet domestic needs. Instead, almost all petroleum production is exported abroad; thus, the fuel import implemented by the current government is a consequence of foreign domination in the economic sphere, especially the extractive industries.

Dita also stated that Indonesian people need not only a change of leaders but, most importantly, a new way: a new economic system, and a new leadership which can be summarised by the precepts of the Change in Direction Movement.

Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, an artist and TV host, arose from amidst the crowd to state her rejection of the fuel price increase. Moments later, Rizal Ramli, the former Coordinating Minister of Economy during the Gus Dur administration, gave a political speech. He claimed that raising the fuel price is not the last solution. There are many routes that can be taken by the government if only they would take an independent stance on economics and politics, rather than following the dictates of foreign interests. According to Ramli, the government must have the courage to wipe out the mafia that have embellished at least US $2 per barrel from oil imports. A revision of oil and gas profit-sharing schemes between the government and foreign corporations must be carried out to benefit Indonesia.

Marching towards the State Palace, the crowd chanted slogans demanding that the government nationalise foreign-controlled mining industries and repudiate foreign debts. A minor clash ensued in front of the Palace as police attempted to restrain the masses. After addressing political speeches, the crowd headed to the Proclamation Obelisk (Tugu Proklamasi). They planned to stayed there overnight before staging another protest the following day.

Anti-communism in the age of reformasi: the case of Papernas

2008-05-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

By Vannessa Hearman

May 20, 2008 -- In 2006, some long-term Indonesian activists in the People’s Democratic Party (PRD), such as Dita Sari and Agus ``Jabo’’ Priyono, reflected on how the post-1998 reformasi movement would respond to the 2009 general election. In June 2006, a number of activists and organisations, including eight national organisations such as the Indonesian Buddhist Students’ Association (HikmahBudhi), the National Students’ League for Democracy (LMND) and the Urban Poor Union (SRMK) met in Jakarta to agree to establish Papernas (the National Liberation Party of Unity). Around 40 local groups of farmers, workers, students and advocacy groups in Flores, Sumatra, Maluku, Java and Kalimantan also supported this initiative. PRD activists have made Papernas their key political project in the last few years, which also has created debates and splits inside the PRD over the question of electoral alliances in coming elections.

The PRD had contested the first post-reformasi elections in 1999, achieving 78,000 votes nationally. The low result reflected the financial and logistical difficulties for small parties, as well as the impact on voters of the New Order government’s ban on, and black propaganda against, the party in the late 1990s. In the preparations for the 2004 election, the PRD set up the People’s United Opposition Party (POPOR) to contest the election, however its registration was, according to a 2003 POPOR media release, thwarted by corruption in the bureaucracy responsible for managing the registration process, as well as intimidation by the military against party officials.

PRD’s history

The PRD was officially founded in Jakarta on July 22, 1996. Prior to this, the People’s Democratic Union and its predecessor, the Indonesian Student Solidarity with Democracy (SMID), had been active in the student movement, as well as attempting to organise workers in the large industrial estates surrounding Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan. Under President Suharto, the PRD was banned from July 1996, when the government scapegoated it for masterminding the ``July 27 incident’’ (dubbed a ``riot’’ by the government) at the headquarters of Megawati Sukarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in Jakarta. In fact, soldiers and hired thugs masquerading as PDI supporters attacked people protesting the government-inspired removal of Megawati as PDI leader, seized the offices. They knifed and bludgeoned anyone who was in or around the building, which resulted in hundreds of people being killed. The government also accused the PRD of trying to establish a new communist organisation.

Some key PRD leaders, such as Budiman Sujatmiko, Wilson, Anom Astika, Petrus Hariyanto and Garda Sembiring, were imprisoned, sentenced to between 18 months’ and 13 years’ jail. They were released in 1999 by President Habibie. Dita Sari, a prominent woman leader of the party, had been imprisoned since July 8, 1996, for organising a rally of factory workers in Tandes, on the outskirts of Surabaya. The PRD being its key founder has led to Papernas being associated with ``communism’’ by both Islamic and military-linked vigilante groups.

Alliances for 2009 election

Having contended with the bureaucratic requirements of contesting elections with POPOR in 2003, the PRD realised the need for serious work if any political formation is to pass the registration process set by the government. Papernas chairperson Agus ``Jabo’’ Priyono views the tough electoral laws as the chief obstacle for the party in contesting elections. He refers to the provisions of the law, where political parties must have a branch in 66% of provinces and 75% of districts in Indonesia before it can be registered and contest the elections. PRD activists turned towards the setting up of Papernas structures to comply with these regulations and succeeded in conducting a massive outreach exercise. Yet the linking of Papernas with communism poses difficulties for the party in forging electoral alliances with other smaller parties, alliances that it would need to contest the elections, since it looks unlikely that Papernas would be able to contest on its own. Papernas leader Dita Sari has coordinated the Alliance of Political Parties, a grouping of at least 20 smaller, yet to be registered political parties, including Papernas, Hanura and the Renewal Democratic Party (PDP), which protests the government’s electoral law provisions.

Papernas was declared as a party in Kaliurang, Central Java, on January 18-19, 2007, at its founding congress, attended by 370 people from 23 provinces. Congress delegates elected Agus ``Jabo’’ Priyono as chairperson, Haris Sitorus as general secretary and Dita Sari as its presidential candidate for the 2009 election. Papernas’ three key demands are: nationalise the mining industry; abolish the foreign debt; and construct a national industry for the people’s welfare. These are grouped under the `Tripanji (Three Banners) of the People’. The use of the term Tripanji has invited comparisons with the same term used by the banned Indonesian Communist Party, the PKI, in the 1960s.

While dealing with the bureaucratic hurdles of registration and setting up new branches, Papernas has organised rallies around the country to popularise itself and its program. It continues to mobilise its affiliate organisations to support the demand of nationalisation of the mining industry. On February 25, the National Students’ League for Democracy (LMND), a Papernas affiliate. occupied the offices of Exxon Mobil in Jakarta, contrasting the large profits of the company to poor education funding and infrastructure in Indonesia. The Indonesian Centre for Labour Struggle (FNPBI) held a mock fuel queue outside Exxon Mobil on March 12 to symbolise the irony of an oil-rich nation whose people have no access to those resources. Papernas has also held rallies around mining issues in Sumatra, Flores, Sulawesi and Maluku. On May 12 and 13 in the Riau and Batam Islands off the coast of Sumatra, Papernas held rallies to press the demand for nationalisation, which were attended by more than 2000 people. The party is currently preparing to focus their agitation on the price rises of fuel. Fuel is set to rise in price at the end of May or early June 2008.

Anti-communist attacks

The Kaliurang Papernas congress was disrupted on January 19, 2007, when hundreds of people grouped under the Indonesian Anti-Communist Front (FAKI) and the Mosque Youth Friendship Forum (Forum Silaturahmi Remaja Masjid) Yogyakarta protested against the congress and demanded the forcible break-up of the meeting. They argued Papernas was trying to revive communist ideas. Some of the slogans and banners carried by protesters stated that Papernas was haram (forbidden under Islamic law). They demanded that the government uphold the law banning Marxism-Leninism. The 1966 People’s Consultative Assembly decree banning Marxism-Leninism is still in force today and provides some legal standing for these anti-communist protests.

Papernas’ focus on organising workers, farmers and the urban poor in demanding their rights has drawn connections for the party’s detractors, such as the Defenders of Islam Front (FPI), between Papernas and the PKI. Papernas’ program includes free health care and education, disbanding the territorial command structure of the military, rejecting privatisation of oil, gas and electricity, and employment creation through a national industry. Its opponents like the FPI have focused on Papernas’ concerns with ensuring legal rights for prostitutes ``and other workers dealing in vice’’ and the restitution of the rights of the 1965 ex-political prisoners, who under the Suharto’s New Order were stigmatised and discriminated against. Anti-Papernas attacks and harrassment across Java by groups like the FPI, the thug organisation Betawi Brotherhood Forum, the Anti-Communist Front and local-level committees such as the Muhammadiyah Youth of Sidoarjo, as well as attacks in Sulawesi and Kalimantan have been well-organised and systematic.

Rise in anti-communist statements and activities

Between 2005-2007, attacks against organisations, individuals and public gatherings associated with the left became more frequent. Those targeted included Papernas, bookstores such as Ultimus in Bandung, the website Rumah Kiri, groups of ex-political prisoners such as the Foundation to Investigate Victims of the 1965-55 Killings (YPKP). The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras) devoted a section of its 2006 human rights report on anti-communist discourse and activities, consisting of 19 separate incidents, including statements and activities by the police and military. The Attorney-General’s Department banned history textbooks based on the 2004 revised curriculum in March 2007 for not mentioning PKI involvement in the 1948 and 1965 coup attempts. In March 2008, anti-communist organisations such as CICS (Indonesian Centre for Community Studies) in East Java, headed by high school teacher Arukat Djaswadi, and the Anti-Communist Front protested the National Human Rights Commission’s decision to set up a working group to investigate the 1965-66 mass killing of leftists.

The problematic relationship between the PRD and the security forces is evident once more in the case of Papernas. A police permit for the Papernas founding congress issued by Yogyakarta Police was revoked before the congress. The police cited three reasons for revoking it, including that in their view that the use of Tripanji was ``identical with the PKI’’ and that Papernas did not use the word Pancasila in its application for a permit. The Papernas Central Leadership Committee alleged that the police would not issue a permit, due to intervention and pressure from the local military command (Korem).

When the Papernas rally on education and investment laws in Central Jakarta was attacked by up to 2000 people throwing rocks and metal poles in March 2007, the police did not stop the attack, arguing that the attacks took place in the South Jakarta police jurisdiction. In Palu on May 13, three Papernas activists were beaten up by a group of 30 people including a soldier, Private Makmur Palu 132/Tadulako sub-district military command. In Lampung on September 3, 2007, guarded by two water cannons and a company of the Mobile Brigade, the Forestry Department prevented Papernas from using its hall for a Papernas meeting. Hundreds of people were forced to meet outside the hall.

In Balikpapan, Kalimantan on May 17, the offices of the KPRM (Committee of the Politics of the Poor), a group that split off from the pro-Papernas wing of the PRD were also attacked and according to the media release by the KPRM, police and intelligence agents joined the attack.

The case of Papernas shows the difficulties of dealing with the New Order legacy, from 1965 to, as recently as the 1996 anti-PRD propaganda. After 10 years of reformasi, parties with a left platform face challenges from the anti-communist values that exist in society as well as opposition from the security forces and government. However, left activists have more room to organise today than they ever did under Suharto.

[This article is based on a revised academic paper presented to the Indonesia Council Open Conference (Asian Studies Association of Australia) in Melbourne, September 24-25, 2007, on a panel titled “The Left in Indonesia”. ]

from: Links

Workers, Poor Reject Petrol Price Rises Imposed 'On Behalf Of The Poor'

2008-05-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Let’s seek the opportunity out of the world's crisis. In responding to the increase in global food prices, let us improve productivity. Amidst the oil crisis and price rises, let's be thrifty. Let's develop the energy resources.'' -- Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudoyono, May 1, 2008.

The poor will benefit from the increase in fuel prices rise, he said on May 7, 2008.

Meanwhile vice-president Yusuf Kalla said that so far the fuel subsidy has been benefiting the rich. He added "The protesters who oppose this policy mean that they are helping the poor.''

Acting as if they are doing it "on behalf of the poor'', the Indonesian government plans to impose a 30% rise on petroleum prices. It will be the third oil price rise under the Susilo Bambang Yudoyono government. To help the poor survive this unpopular policy, the government is granting direct cash transfers amounting 100,000 rupiah per month per family. The direct cash transfer "gift'' was also implemented with the oil price rise in 2005.

Will this price rise benefit the poor?

How about the increasing of poverty rate under this government? Currently, 40 million people, nearly a quarter of Indonesian population, are living under poverty line. Year on year inflation rate (to April) is 8.7%, mostly in food and energy price increases. Sofyan Wanadi, member of Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), admitted that the petroleum price rise has reduced purchasing power and is a threat to industry. The state budget allocation to pay foreign debts will absorb nearly US$90 billion compare to $46.7 billion allocated for the petroleum subsidy.

It takes independence to set people free from oil crisis.

In anticipating the world oil price rise, Indonesian government likely to have favourite instant solution, increase the country's daily oil andd gas production, which is 979 barrels. Even the oil and gas department has said it is likely climb to 1 million barrels per day in July from the new exploration in Cepu.

Meanwhile 90% of mining and oil corporations are owned by foreign companies. Chevron and Exxon are benefiting from the doubling in petrol prices, while the Indonesian people are lining up desperately for a litre of petrol.

If you visit Riau province, you will be amazed at the extent of Chevron large exploration area and offices, palm plantations as well as wood plantations. But you will also be shocked to find that the majority of the people in the hundred-thousand-hectare area of Riau subdistricts have no access to electricity. It is 14 kilometres to reach the closest petrol station to be able to put fill a two-litre diesel fuel can to operate their generator. Therefore most of must stay in the dark from afternoon to dawn. While Chevron's exploration, dormitories and office complexes are enjoying bright lights day and night.

Poor refusing their 'gift'

On May 11, 300 protesters from the Indonesian Poor People's Union (SRMI) marched to Yusuf Kalla's house in South Sulawesi to oppose the petroleum price rise. They continued their march to the local House of Representatives. "Do not say that this is for the poor, the experience has taught us that this policy has trapped the poor in deeper poverty'', Said Anca, Papernas' (National Liberation Party of Unity) South Sulawesi leader.

On May 12, 3000 protesters from SEGERA (Central Movement of the Riau People) surrounded to the local House of Representatives. In this two-day demonstration, they urged government to nationalise the mining and oil industries, as well address concerns about local land disputes.

The workers, farmers and the poor, who are also members of the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) took six to eight hours to drive from their settlements to the local House of Representatives building. They surrounded the house of representatives, chanting the slogan "Enough of being a coolie nation, now it is time to be an independent nation.'' Papernas chairperson Agus Priono said that selling out the national assets is a violation of the constitution. "To rescue Indonesia from the trap of the crisis we must radically change economic policy from a pro-capital policy to pro- people policy'', she told the crowd. After succeeding in passing the police barricades, the protesters stayed and erected a tent near the House of Representative.