Jakarta – Thousands of workers from various different labour organisations and alliances arrived in waves at the State Palace on Jl. Merdeka Utara to commemorate May Day on Saturday May 1.

Since early morning, thousands of workers from the Indonesian Metal Trade Workers Federation (FSPMI), the National Workers Union (SPN) and the Indonesian Association of Trade Unions (Aspek) had been gathering in front of the State Palace. In addition to demanding healthcare guarantees and social welfare, the workers also called for the formation of a trustee’s commission to replace the Social Insurance Management Agency (BPJS).

As afternoon approached, another wave of demonstrators began arriving from groups such as the Confederation of Prosperity Labor Unions (KSBSI), the Anti-Corruption Youth Action Committee (KAPAK) and the People’s Struggle Front (FPR). During their action, the FPR brought a number of demands such wage increases in line with the cost of living, the abolition of contract labour and outsourcing systems, the cancellation of the ASEAN China Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) and the repeal of the draft BPJS law.

At around 1pm, thousands of workers from the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) also arrived at the State Palace. In addition to listening to speeches being given from the ‘command vehicle’, the protesters also sung songs and shouted slogans of struggle.

Despite the heavy downpour, the majority of workers continued the demonstration in front of the Palace. “We prepared ourselves physically and mentally to come and fight here,” a worker named Prakoso told Berdikari Online.

A short interval after the arrival of the ABM, thousands of demonstrators from the May One Movement (GSM) 2010, an alliance of some 36 trade unions and organisations under the Indonesian People’s Opposition Front (FOR Indonesia), also turned up.

In a statement, the GSM took up a number of issues including an end to the liberalisation of labour policies, arbitrary dismissals and outsourcing, the cancellation of free trade agreements and the privatisation of strategic state assets. They also called for the nationalisation of all mining, oil and gas companies, plantations and other strategic assets for the welfare of the people.

The group also brought a huge replica rat and set fire to it in front of the Palace. “Replace the regime, replace the system. Workers take power for the people’s prosperity”, shouted the workers during a long-march from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to the State Palace. (Ulf)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]