Mei Amelia R, Jakarta – Tens of thousands of protesting workers have packed the Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic Circle in Central Jakarta this morning, Friday May 1, turning the Thamrin business district into a sea of people.
The workers came to the HI traffic circle to commemorate International Labour Day (May Day) and it is estimated that tens of thousands of protesters will arrive.
The protesters represent an alliance of several trade unions including the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (KSBI), the Confederation of Prosperity Labour Unions (KSBSI), the All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI), the Confederation of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI), the All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation (FSPSI) and many others.
The protesters came not just from Jakarta, but also from the satellite cities of Bekasi, Tangerang, Bogor, Depok, Karawang and Purwakarta.
Wearing uniforms of red, blue, green and white, the protesters swarmed along the length of main thoroughfare between the HI traffic circle and Thamrin. They also brought flags from their respective trade unions.
After gathering at the HI traffic circle, the protesters will hold a long-march to the nearby State Palace where they will give speeches and hold Friday prayers. Following this, they will proceed to the Bung Karno Sports Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta, to take part in a thanks giving and musical entertainment.
[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was Dipenuhi Massa Buruh Rayakan Mayday, Bundaran HI Jadi Lautan Manusia.]
