Idham Gofur, Jakarta – Scores of housewives and children held a demonstration in front of the State Palace on July 13 calling on the government not to surrender the distribution of milk and sembako (nine basic food items including rice and other staple commodities) to the market.

The protesters said that if the government allows this to happen they would demand that that Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu resign from her post. “If it’s not possible, it is better if the minister resigns”, said one of the speakers in front of the State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara in Central Jakarta on Friday.

During the action, the protesters from the women’s organisation Perempuan Mahardika National Network (JRPM) and the Urban Poor Union (SRMK) placed a 2x1 meter piece of black cloth on the road. This was used to hold a theatrical action in which a housewife fried a rock on a kerosene stove depicting their hopelessness in face of milk and sembako price increases.

Aside from protesting against the government, they also condemned the political parties saying that the existing parties are unable to provide a solution to the problems of the people, particularly in confronting the increase in the price of basic commodities. (fit)

[Translated by James Balowski.]