Pekanbaru – Around one thousand farmers attended the opening of All Indonesian Farmers and the National Peasants Union (STN) Extraordinary Congress that was held at the Bukit Square in the Senapelan sub-district of Pekan Baru on Wednesday June 25. The event started at around 2pm.

The congress participants were activists or members of the Riau Farmers Union (STR) that originated from the three regions of Bengkalis, Siak and Kampar. They arrived using various kinds of vehicles but mostly open trucks. Some also brought their wives and children. Their presence filled the Bukit Square with the colour red, the colour identified with the STR. Most of the participants also wore the tattered clothing and wide bamboo hats unique to farmers.

In addition to members of STR, the People’s Movement Centre (Segera) and the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas), also present were the Reform Star Party (PBR) Central Board of Directors General Chairperson Bursah Zanurbi and PBR Riau Regional Leadership Board Chairperson Edi Basri. STN and PBR are in the midst of drafting an agreement to advance the Indonesian peasant class in Indonesia. This was explained by STN General Chairperson Yudi Budi Wibowo in a press conference held before the congress.

The activities at the mass meeting were dominated by the presentation of speeches. Figures from STN, STR and Segera as well as PBR took turns in giving speeches. In Zanurbi’s speech for example, he encouraged the Indonesian peasant class to rise up and struggle for their rights. “It is time for the Indonesian peasant class to rise up to struggle for their rights and a better life. We encourage and always ready to become [your] partners”, he said.

Figures from STN, STR, Segera and Papernas meanwhile, propagandised farmers’ rights to land demanding agrarian reform and the return of farmers’ rights to their land. As of going to press, the congress was still continuing even though scores of police were on guard around the location. (mad)

[Translated by James Balowski.]