Jakarta – Scores of people attended the “Occupy Jakarta” protest action on the grounds of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building on Wednesday October 19. The protesters unfurled posters with messages such as “99 percent of society is oppressed by 1 percent of capitalism” and “oppose capitalism and neoliberalism”.
“We have to open our eyes because there will not be a better future is it is in the hands of a system that is under the control of 1 percent”, said one woman during a speech.
The protesters who said they were housewives, university lecturers, research and students, took turns in giving speeches. A number of employees from the JSX building also joined the demonstration so a number of protesters were wearing office clothing complete with ties.
“This movement is not the property of anyone, it belongs to all of us. Meaning we represent 99 percent of the people who are oppressed under this system, who want make changes and endeavour to convince people to begin something new, a movement of renewal aiming for a more prosperous life”, said Occupy Jakarta action coordinator Sari Putri.
Andreas (45) meanwhile, one of the demonstrators who said he was an artist from a well known artistic organisation, said that the 1 percent are those who are in the position of being owners of capital and employers.
“We have seen that collusion and collaboration is happening by those in power who eventually control policies, in the interests of a handful of people for the accumulation of capital and to maintain power”, said Andreas.
Other posters held up by the demonstrators read “1 percent trades in the bodies of 99 percent of women” and “1 percent makes history, 99 percent changes it”.
During the action, participants voluntarily donated money to buy drinks for the demonstrators. The protesters also cleaned up their own rubbish. At 2pm they held a discussion on their program and follow-up actions. (SDP-02)
Source: Puluhan orang ikuti ‘Occupy Jakarta’ – Antara News. Rabu, 19 Oktober 2011
[Translated by James Balowski.]
