Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – International Women’s Day (IWD) which falls on this day, Saturday, was also commemorated in the city of Yogyakarta. Around 30 or so activists from the Poor People’s Front for Struggle (Front Perjuangan Rakyat Miskin, FPRM), the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) and a number of non-government organisation activists commemorated IWD at the roundabout of the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

The action in Yogyakarta was not only joined by women activists but was also supported by male activists from the PRD and FPRM. Although the action was held at the northern intersection of the UGM roundabout the small number of activists did not cause a traffic jam.

Security officers who were present from the sectoral police of Gondokusuman and West Depok only safeguarded the area and directed traffic.

As well has holding speeches, they also carried a number of PRD and FPRM flags along with posters stating that women reject the recent price increases by the government of President Megawati Sukarnoputri and Vice-president Hamzah Haz, because the principle victims of this are women workers.

They also warned that there has been an increase in discrimination against women and exploitation of women workers. Women workers have became the most marginalised under the present capitalist system. This is despite the fact that they make up the largest portion of the labour force in Indonesia. However they also represent the social class which has been most damaged.

According to the coordinator of the action, Arie Ariyanto, the action rejected recent price increase and demanded an immediate decrease in prices which have sky rocketed. In addition to this, they are calling for actions against imperialism which is planning to invade Iraq.

“Overthrow the puppet regime of Mega-Hamzah and form a government of the opposition and for a government of the poor”, said Arie. (asy)

[Translated by James Balowski.]