Muhammad Nur Abdurrahman, Makassar – International Labour Day was also commemorated by thousands of workers in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, who held a long-march to the governor’s office.

The workers arrived at the governor’s office at around 9am. Earlier they had gathered in the vicinity of the Reformasi toll road. They also brought a truck that was used to transport a sound system.

The workers, who came from the Action Committee for May Day, wore clothes entirely made up of red. They made 11 demands on the government and employers, including among others calling for a reasonable wage and the abolition of labour contact systems.

“May Day is an important holiday for the international working class, it’s time for us to rise up and fight this oppression”, said action coordinator Muchtar Guntur from atop the truck carrying the sound system.

The action was also joined by members of the Makassar Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI). “Journalists across Makassar are also of one voice in calling themselves press industrial workers who’s fortunes should also be paid attention to by the bosses,” said AJI Makassar Chairperson Andi Fadli.

The workers plan to hold Friday prayers on the grounds of the governor’s office, after which they will hold a joint prayer for the welfare of the working class in Indonesia. (mna/djo)

[Translated by James Balowski.]