Suwardiman – In the recent West Java election of regional heads, many respondents determined their choice just a week before voting. One out of five voters or around 20.4 percent only determined their choice on voting day itself and 22.2 percent only determined their choice 1-7 days beforehand.

Khairul Ikhwan, Medan – The political temperature in North Sumatra is steadily rising in the lead up to the election of regional heads that will be held on April 16. On Monday April 14, students burnt paraphernalia and photographs of the five gubernatorial candidates.

Irwan Nugroho, Jakarta – Not a day goes by without a protest action in the capital. Two groups will be holding demonstrations at separate locations in Jakarta today, Friday April 11.

Arfi Bambani Amri, Jakarta – Three separate demonstrations will be held at the Sate Palace, the Finance Department and the offices of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) today, Thursday April 10. Motorists are advised to avoid the three locations while the demonstrations are in progress.

Nurul Hidayati, Jakarta – Traffic in the Senayan area of Central Jakarta is guaranteed to be congested today, Tuesday April 8.

M. Rizal Maslan, Jakarta – Many defendants in gross human right violation cases being handled by the Attorney Generals’ Office are released from indictments. This situation refects a failure on the part of the Attorney General in prosecuting the perpetrators.

Jakarta – With the release of all defendants charged over gross human rights violations in East Timor and Tanjung Priok, rights activists are calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono review how gross human rights cases are being handled. They also reminded the president of the promise he made to the families of victims on March 26.

Workers from the Greater Jakarta Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBJ) and the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) will be holding a demonstration at the representative offices of the United Nations on Jl. Jalan MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta at around 10am today.

Cornila Desyana, Jakarta – According to information from the Metro Jaya regional police Intelligence and Security (Intelpam) Directorate, as many as five protest actions are expected to inundate Jakarta on Friday April 4.

Jakarta, Kompas – Increases in the inflation rate is putting increasing pressure on workers’ real wages. Because of this therefore, the government must, as soon as possible, realise intervention programs that can indirectly improve workers’ welfare, such as the construction affordable housing for workers.