Komhukum (Jakarta) – Thousands of workers are still demonstrating at the State Palace on Jl. Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta demanding reforms to working conditions.

The protesting workers, who had been gathering since this morning, had earlier held a long-march from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. One of the larger groups involved in May Day this year is the Indonesian People’s United Resistance (PPRI, an alliance of 14 trade unions).

In commemorating May Day, the PPRI said that it is seeking working condition reforms for workers and labourers. In addition to trade unions, PPRI also includes the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and several extra-parliamentary youth organisations such as the Indonesian Youth Front for Struggle (FPPI) and the Indonesian Student Union (SMI).

In a leaflet, the PPRI said that the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono is a capitalist regime and accused it of failing to bring prosperity to the ordinary people, particularly the working class.

Meanwhile the national coordinator of the FPPI, Ferry Widodo, said that this year’s May Day represents an effort to united the people’s movements to resist oppression by the state. “Currently the state is committing more violence, particularly through the policies the government is issuing”, said Widodo.

The demonstrators from AJI meanwhile, who brought theatrical props to the action such as a miniature jail, called for improvement to welfare for journalists. They also demanded the freedom for journalists to form trade unions and organise. (K-2/Kahfi)

Source: Peringati May Day, Ribuan Buruh Menyemut Di Istana – Komhukum. 1 Mai, 2011

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]