Masfiatur Rochma – Thousands of workers held a protest action at the East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the governor’s office in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya on May 1.

During the action they not only carried posters and banners, but they also brought a giant umbrella as a symbol of workers’ need for a legal umbrella.

“The umbrella is a symbol of workers needing protection. The umbrella is a symbol of the workers’ protector”, shouted one of the action coordinators Eric in front of the governor’s office on Sunday.

It was to convey these demands that they wanted to meet with Governor Soekarwo. However they were unable to meet with him because the Number 1 person in the East Java government was on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

The workers also rejected the regime of capitalism because it is this system that benefits company owners. In addition to this the workers also held a rally in front of the East Java DPRD.

“Pak De (Soekarwo’s familiar name) is currently on a pilgrimage. So as his representative I will meet with the workers who are holding a protest action at the East Java provincial DPRD and the East Java governor’s office”, explained East Java Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was Buruh geruduk gedung gubernur, Soekarwo pergi umroh.]

Source: http://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/buruh-geruduk-gedung-gubernur-soekarwo-pergi-umroh.html