Students press demands for nationalization of mining sector and for free education

The National Students' League for Democracy (LMND) held an action at the office of Exxon-Mobil in Jakarta on February 25 to demand the nationalization of the Indonesian mining sector. This is a first day of two days student action to nationalized mining and oil industries on 25-26 february 2008. Organisers estimated 150 people attended the action. Its statement, titled "An Open Letter to Exxon Mobil and co.", signed by LMND chairperson, Lalu Hilman Afriandi, argues that the nationalization of the mining industry is vital for realizing its demand for free, quality education for the people of Indonesia. "Trillions of Rupiah, the result of the bonanza would be used to fund free education, book subsidies and IT (especially internet) in a massive way, to rehabilitate and modernize education facilities, reform the curriculum, increase teachers' pay and so on. As well, not forgetting the repeal (or amendment) of a range of laws which are driven by the spirit of the liberalization of the education sector."

The statement also condemns the government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

and Jusuf Kalla as not having the courage 'to do what LMND is doing now', as 'they are only the foremen of foreign capital, not having any perspective for the independence of the nation'. LMND pledges that while now they focused on ExxonMobil, 'next we would occupy their friends also such as Chevron, Newmont, Freeport, Total, ConocoPhilips and so on'.

This campaign is designed to, according to LMND, provide the understanding to the people about 'who our real oppressors are, who should inherit the natural riches of the country and how to confront the oppressors'. This action was taken as part of mobilizing around the Three Banners of the People (Tripanji) of the Papernas (National United Liberation Party), which LMND helped initiate. With, according to Papernas, 92% of the Indonesian mining sector controlled by foreign capital, the most lucrative sector of the economy barely benefits the people. The imperialist domination of Indonesia is also clearly demonstrated by this domination of the foreign corporations in the mining sector. Indonesians today suffer shortages of cooking oil, kerosene and other fuel, while according to government figures from 2003, over 30% of primary schools suffer 'minor' disrepair, while 25% suffered major damage. On September 6 last year, for example sixteen students from Tangerang, from Karawaci III Primary School were taken to hospital after their school ceiling collapsed.

The action against Exxon-Mobil represents a ratcheting up of mobilizations around the country on the issue of nationalization of the mining sector, among others in the lead up to the 2009 elections. The demands of the action are also designed to demonstrate alternative, pro-poor policies that are presented by Papernas, of which LMND and other groups are a part. While continuing preparations to contest the elections, in the context of onerous government requirements on party registration in order to be able to participate, Papernas is also mobilizing on its key demands, as well as continuing to respond to- and campaign on urban poor and workers' issues. Political parties intending to contest the 2009 general elections are from February 27 occupied with the 'verification' process, a government process to verify whether parties have met certain requirements, such as having leadership structures in 60% of provinces, 50% of

districts and 20% of subdistricts, in order to contest the elections. (** Vannesa Herman)

Labels: Anti-Neoliberal Imperialism, News, Students