Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Around 40 workers from the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) held a demonstration on April 24 calling on the political elite – who are in middle of fighting over the presidency and vice presidency – to pay more attention to the people.

“The 2009 elections have not been effective in changing the situation. We reject them. They have only perpetuated the elite’s [position],” said action coordinator Anwar Ma’ruf at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta on Friday.

During the action, the demonstrators wore T-shirts with the writing “Capitalism is Bankrupt”. The workers said that the capitalist system, which has been applied in many countries, including Indonesia, has failed to bring much change to the situation. They believe that the affluence promised by the capitalist system is simply figment of imagination.

“We are inviting workers to unite and take to the streets. There will be even larger [actions] on May 1”, said Ma’ruf.

The demonstration, which proceeded for around 45 minutes, did not attract any significant security from police. The protesters disbanded on their own volition and did not create any traffic congestion because the number of demonstrators was not overly large. (Ari/nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]