Nurul Hidayati, Jakarta – Around 1000 activists from Greater Jakarta are expected to commemorate International Women’s Day at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout on Monday March 8.

The action is being sponsored by the Mahardhika Women’s Working Group (Pokja Perempuan Mahardhika) which is a grouping of non-government organisations, youths and student activists. According to the group’s public relations officer, Vivi Widyawati, as well as demonstrating at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout they will also hold a long-march to offices of the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare then go on to the Presidential Palace.

When Detik.com spoke with Vivi at around 10.45am, her and her colleges were still gathering at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, although there were only around 100 people. “There a lot [more people] who will come, farmers from Cijeruk, Tangerang and Karawang for example. A total of 12 busses. [But] they’re caught in a traffic jam at the moment”, said Vivi.

As well as being joined by farmers, the action will also be joined by women workers and victims of land evictions in Jakarta. (nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]