Hen Hen, Jakarta – A number of social and student organisations held a protest action in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building on May 21 to commemorated 12 years of reformasi or political reform.

During the action the protesters voiced their disappointment with the people’s representatives in Senayan saying they had betrayed the spirit of reformasi.

“Reformasi has been betrayed by the DPR. Today we constantly lied to. We must fight comrades”, shouted Rizki, a speaker from the Working People’s Association (PRP) during a break in the action in Jakarta on Friday.

They also called on the people to have the courage to seize the political stage, the DPR and the Palace because students, workers, farmers and other working people should not be afraid of becoming involved in politics.

“We will build a hard political [base] to struggle for a network so that we can later take power and determine our own futures”, shouted Rizki inspiring the protesters.

Following this the demonstrators began gradually leaving the DPR resulting in the flow of traffic on Jl. Jenderal Gatot Soebroto becoming congested. They then caught rides on metro mini busses and trucks or motorcycles.

All that remains at the DPR now is rubbish and leaflets containing the demonstrators’ demands strewn on the ground. Several police officers can be seen directing traffic in an attempt to reduce congestion. (ram)

[Translated by James Balowski.]