Medan – The commemoration of International Women’s Day in Medan, North Sumatra, was marked by a protest action at the Regional House of Representatives building by hundreds of women workers who said they were victims of discrimination by their employers.

Jakarta – International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8, was commemorated by around 100 women activists with a protest action in Central Jakarta.

Bandung – In greeting International Women’s Day, on Monday March 8 scores of students from the People’s Struggle Front (FPR) demonstrated in front of the Gedung Sate building in Bandung, West Java.

Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – Scores of women activists in the East Java city of Yogyakarta commemorated International Women’s Day on Monday March 8 by calling for equality and freedom for Indonesian women.

Surabaya – During the colonial era communism flourished in Indonesia. One of the reasons was the behaviour of the native elite (elite bumiputra) who failed to defend the ordinary people. This however is unlikely to be repeated now.

Suwardiman – After nine years, support by various elements of society for special autonomy (otsus) is weakening.

On Friday February 19, there was something different taking place at the Army’s Special Forces or Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta.

Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – The Supreme Court appeal decision to release former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy Muchdi Purwoprandjono from all charges of involvement in the Munir murder was because the judges were incompetent. The Three Supreme Court judges handling the case were not experts in criminal law.

Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – After conducting a 1-year-study, the Public Examination Board (MEP) looking into the murder of human rights activists Munir has released a number of recommendations to the police, Attorney General’s Office and the courts. One of these is that the Munir case be reinvestigated.

Hery Winarno, Jakarta – As usual, Jakarta will again be marked by protest actions by people wishing to convey their demands. Once again, the parliament building and the State Palace will be the favorite locations for people to voice the public’s hopes.