Muhammad Nur Hayid, Jakarta – Around 100 people from the Indonesian People’s Anti-Imperialist Union (Perisai) demonstrated in front of the State Palace on Sunday December 18. They were demanding that the Indonesian government leave the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and sever its relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

They also believe that the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (SBY-JK) still has many hopes in the WTO. This is dispute the fact that the WTO clearly inflicts harm on developing countries, while at the same time benefiting rich countries like the United States and the European Union. Yudhoyono is even seen as a puppet and lackey of the US.

“Disband the WTO right now. SBY-JK must have the courage to leave the WTO. Sever the relationship with the World Bank and other world donor institutions”, said Perisai’s field coordinator Wawan during a speech in front of the State Palace on Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara in Central Jakarta.

They are also calling on SBY-JK to develop fairer economic cooperation by consolidating the developing countries. The cancellation of the recent fuel price increases and the cancellation of rice imports would prove that SBY-JK are pro-people. “If SBY doesn’t want to fulfil these demands, then SBY-JK must resign from their posts”, asserted Wawan.

Speeches are continuing but have not attracted any special security. Only 15 Gambir sectoral police who still appeared smart despite the rain were guarded the action that started at 5.20pm. (atq)

[Translated by James Balowski.]