Protesters say draft law on capital investment a ‘new form of colonialism’

Detik.com – March 23, 2007
Poor People’s Network protest in Central Jakarta (Sindo News)
Poor People’s Network protest in Central Jakarta (Sindo News)

Muhammad Nur Hayid, Jakarta – The ratification of the Draft Law on Capital Investment by the House of Representatives (DPR) is drawing opposition. The Poor People’s Network (JRM) opposes what they call a new form of colonialism and are urging the DPR not to ratify the draft into law.

This opposition was conveyed by around 100 people from JRM in front of the main entrance to the DPR building in Senayan, South Jakarta, on Friday March 23.

During the action that began at around 3.30pm, they brought a number of posters with messages such as “Reject the Draft Law on Capital Investment”, “Save Indonesia from the grip of foreign investors” and “Indonesia is ours, don’t let it be robbed”.

Aside from bringing posters, they also shouted their demands through a sound system placed on top of an open pickup truck. “Save Indonesia” and “Revoke the Draft Law on Capital Investment” they shouted.

The demonstrators, who came from a number of poor people’s organisations also threatened to bring more people into the streets if the DPR ratifies the law. “The draft law clearly benefits investors and hurts us. If it is not revoked, we will bring even more people into the streets”, said action coordinator Wahyu Susilo.

Although the action was held in front of the main entrance to the DPR, their shouts were able to reach the ears of Hasto Kristianto, a member of the special committee deliberating the draft law. The legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Faction promised that members from the party of the white snouted bull (PDI-P’s symbol) would support the protesters’ demands in the plenary meeting session.

“If we fail, then we will propose amendments on crucial articles, such as corporate crimes that must be acted on by law enforcement officials”, he promised.

The action proceeded peacefully and did not disrupt traffic on the road in front of the DPR. It was also watched over by some 40 police offices from the Central Jakarta district police and the Tanah Abang sectoral police. (ary/nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]