Vietnam war-bomb was dropped to the landless farmers in Indonesia

It has been hundred years peasant community settled and make their living in Suluk Bongkal, Riau Province. But, On 18 December 2008 the community are hunted by the drop of Napalm bomb, gun fired and tears gases. In a few minutes 700 houses were in flame. 1000 hired thugs and 500 police were burst into the crowd.

Hundred of peasant families had lived in Suluk Bongkal area for hundred years. On 1991, government issued land certificate for each villages

In 1997, Arara Abadi corporation, a company that supply raw material to Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper, Sinar mas group, were given the rights to control over the land. Since that day, Arara Abadi is not only privilege to control over Suluk Bongkal area, but also hundred thousand hectares land in Riau province, While the farmers turn to be landless.

On mid of 2007, these landless peasant affiliated to Riau Peasent Union (STR) succeed to reclaim the land. Since that day, 800 people living in that reclaimed area of Suluk Bongkal, Bengkalis, Riau.

The incident began when police tried to arrest Riza Zuhelmy, STR chairperson, the masses tried to protect their leader. Police sent other troops to manage this situation and arrest ten peasant. Unable to control the situation, police chopper flew and dropped napalm bomb to peasant settlement. While the police troops were shut rubber bullet and tears gas to disperse the masses. The situation turned into panic. Hundreds peasant are arrested. Putri, a child aged 2,6 years was scared to death and run to the jungle. She later found lifeless, sunk in the dwell. After the masses are dispersed, bulldozer came to clean the ruins, and soon after that hired thugs occupied the land. This attack are directly led by head division of criminal of Riau Police head quarter, Alex Mandalika,

On that tragedy, 700 houses are turn to ash, 200 peasant are arrested and 400 peasant are hunted and hide.

Riau Peasent Union had filed land dispute case between people and Arara Abadi corporation to the Provincial administration since 2007. On May 15 2007 ministry of forestry issued S 319/Menhut-VI/2007 said that people who has been living before 1996 (the years of Arara Abadi land concession) may stay there and the area should be excluded from concession area.

Jhony Nelsen SImanjutak from National commission of human rights found the indication of human rights violation regarding the land dispute conflict between people and Arara Abadi in three sub district. National commission is now asking for information from 100 victim.

While Nurul Huda from Arara Abadi hoping that National Commission of Human Rights should ask second opinion from the company since the company operates as a regulation from government. Currently, 200 farmers are arrested.

Help the farmers, send your solidarity, protest letter to end the human rights violation. Send the letter to

Arara Abadi fax 0761-91320
National commission of human rights +62 21 3912026
Email: info@komnasham.go.id, webmaster@komnasham.go.id
Police headquarter of Riau Province +6276120084
Send the solidarity letter to Papernas@yahoo.com, serikat.tani.riau@gmail.com Read more...

Labour Press Inquiry Into Fuel Price Rise, Denounce Pro-Neoliberal Golkar-Demokrat

(Jakarta 30/06) Hundreds of workers from the National Front of Indonesian Labour Struggle (FNPBI) staged a protest action at Exxon Mobil HQ in Jakarta to demand the nationalization of oil industries.

Afterwards, the workers moved the protest to the House of Representatives. They demanded that the government cancel fuel price increase, nationalize mining industry, and abolish foreign debt.

On June 24, the majority of house members - mostly, but not all, from opposition parties - voted for an inquiry into the fuel price rise. Meanwhile, two parties; Golkar Party (which support the Vice President, Jusuf Kalla) and Democrat Party (which support President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) rejected the inquiry.

The protesters demanded an inquiry into the intervention of foreign corporation in Indonesian energy crisis and called upon the people of Indonesia not to elect parties that take side with foreign interests, support fuel price increase, and vote against parliament's right for inquiry against the SBY-JK (Golkar & Demokrat) government.

STATEMENT by FNPBI

Cancel fuel price rise. Nationalize oil, gas and mining industries, and abolish foreign debt; No to pro-neoliberal parties (Golkar/Demokrat); Implement nation-wide minimum wage as the solution for increasing labour welfare!

Government has announced the fuel price increase that led to the rise of transportation cost and prices of basic goods. On the other side, indicators of people's welfare such as income level and purchasing power are experiencing a decline. According to some economic analysts, the 30% fuel price rise will shoot up inflation rate from 8.33% to 10.6%. The Institute of Study for Mining and Energy Reform predicted that 30% fuel price increase will likely throw 15.68 millions people into poverty.

The Indonesian Enterpreneurs Association, APINDO, stated that they can no longer adjust wages to face fuel price rise. Entrepreneurs only agree to add transportation and meal support. However, economic burden is not only about transport and meal, more than those!

Indonesian labour is currently facing several challenges: First, the current wage policy is unable to compete with price increases. Second, the national industries which both entrepreneurs and labours depend on also suffer tremendous hit from fuel price increase policy. Under those conditions, there is no choice but to fight to cancel fuel price increase and to rescue national industries.

Legislative Plenary meeting on 24th of June has agreed to use their right to open an inquiry into national oil and gas industries. Two political parties, Golkar and Demokrat, rejected the inquiry right, thus revealing their true character: puppets of foreign corporations. Political and financial institutions such as USAID and World Bank are behind this government. In 2001, these institutions used large amount of aid to change our oil and gas legislation. Golkar and Democrat Party are complicit in liberalizing our economy policy!

In relation to the use of inquiry right in the parliament, labour should asserts that; first, the legislatures reaffirm their commitment to push the government for immediate cancellation of fuel price rise. This measure needs to be accompanied by the passing of a decree to nationalize foreign-controlled mining and energy industry in order to supply domestic energy demand. The government could also increase royalty tax up to 40% for foreign contractors so that windfall profit can be used to maximise national income and overcome state budget deficit. Second, legislatures' commitment to solve the enduring problem of our oil and gas industry needs to be followed by ensuring a system that control our nation's entire natural resources. The management and marketing of these sectors must prioritize national needs. Therefor, the legislatures shall agree to withdraw Law 22/2001 on Oil and Gas and Law 25/2007 on Foreign Investment. Third, state's endeavour to extract maximum profit from oil and gas sector needs to be followed by the transfer of that profit to education, health care, subsidy for basic needs, and national minimum wage standard.

All this time, the indonesian government has no resolute concept regarding energy and mineral (mining rights) against foreign companies. Using the lack of capital and technology as pretext, the government has handed over the right to manage energy and mineral resources into the hands of foreign companies, without considering such concepts as transfer of technology and autonomous economic system.

The labour has interest in the state-management system of oil and gas industry for the development of national industries. High productivity of national industry would also strengthen the position of national labour. This would come true only if our economy has been released from the grip of neoliberal economy

Therefore, FNPBI states these following demands :

1) Cancel fuel price increase

2) Nationalize mining and energy industries and abolish foreign debt.

3) Cancel or rewrite all contracts with foreign energy and mining companies in such a way as to benefit the people and domestic industries by attaching clauses that maximize benefit, technology transfer, and tax increase (royalty). Prioritizing national need is an obligation.

4) Develop national industries, especially oil and gas industry, petrochemical industry, natural resources management, etc.

5) Release the detained student activists and civilians! Investigate the death of Maftuh Fauzi.

6) Leave political elites that take side with foreign interests, parties that support fuel increase and reject inquiry right against SBY-JK government (Golkar and Demokrat)!

7) Implement national minimum wage standard based on proper living standard, as a solution to improve labour welfare!

8) Build a National Front that involves all people and political parties that are against the political elites who support foreign interests!

For new economic system!

Jakarta, 28th of June 2008



National Front of Indonesian Labour Struggle Read more...

Protest Action to Cancel Fuel Price Rise Clashes

(Jakarta, elemende-online: 24/06/2008) While the parliamentary session filled with debates about the use of “inquiry right” into government's recent fuel price hike measure, outside the House of Representatives, thousands of people from several groups, including FRM (People Accuse Front), staged mass protest action.

Hundreds of protesters under FRM started the action at noon. They burnt used tires outside of the main entrance gates of the parliament compound. FRM demanded the government to immediately cancel fuel price rise and investigate the death of Maftuh Fauzi.

Maftuh Fauzi , was arrested on May 23 during a fuel price hike protest. He passed away on June 23, with bruises on his head. The Indonesian Doctor Association is currently investigating the cause of his death.

Police used water-cannon against protesters and they responded by throwing rock to the police.

On 02.00 pm. Thousands of protesters from Cross Generation Activist Gathering (Tali Geni) arrived in front of the Legislative House and joined with FRM masses.

The tension grew as Police repeatedly sprayed water canon to the masses. Masses from FRM and Tali Geni pushed the gate and managed to bring down the side gate. As crowd of students and people tried to enter the House of Representatives compound, clash with the Police became unavoidable. Many protesters got beaten and wounded on their head, arms, and shoulder.

The traffic was totally jammed along the capital main street, Gatot Subroto Street, as the clash happened. An activist from IAIN campus in Jambi, Arpi, was hit by a patrol car. Police chased and caught several student protesters. They attacked masses of students that was retreating to two directions. One group moved to Slipi-Grogol, West Jakarta, while another to Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The latter tried to blockade the main road in front of Atmajaya University.

At the time of writing, 10 activists were arrested in front of Atmajaya campus, three activists in front of the House of Representatives, ten were injured, and one was hit by a patrol car. Read more...

Workers strike at Balihai Brewery Indonesia Company.

The company's union busting became evident after the company intimidated the workers by telling them that their strike, which demanded that FNPBI's chairperson and secretary be re-employed, was illegal and threatened to lay off all strikers. The strike captain and SBTK chairperson, Agus Mulyadi, rejected the threat by saying that "our strike is legitimate because it is carried out according to the law. It is company's threat to lay off the workers which is illegal because they have not shown any intention to set up any prior negotiation”. Because there is strong indication of union busting, the workers decided to continue the strike. "The company didn’t gives us any choice besides continuing the strike” said Agus.

According to the latest update, the beer producing company that is located on Raya Tambun Street Km. 39,7, Bekasi, is forcing itself to continue the operation even with some of its workers on strike, including the laboratory division responsible to ensure that the products meet the government regulated standard of alcohol and microbiological content

Read more...

Updates on Hunger Strikes

Protests continues as 28% average fuel price increase has really made people's life more difficult. The government still has not shown any concern on the situation, while progressive activists keep carrying out protest actions and more hunger strikers fell incapacitated.

(01/06) in Kudus, Central Java, an LMND activist, Afit, had to be taken to hospital. The same incident happened to Venus Jupiter, a LMND activist from Palembang, as well as two activists from Lampung, Amir (UKMBS UBL) and Dedy (FORDIMA).

In Semarang, a protest post that was left by its two incapacitated strikers on May 31st, received fresh reinforcements from 11 people from LMND and SRMI, although the protest was planned to stop on June 3rd. In Jakarta, a fuel price post was set up in Salemba Street for 3 days and was ended by speeches. Read more...

Updates on Students' Hunger Strike Against Fuel Price Rise

(May 26) Hunger strikes in various provinces to demand the cancellation of oil price rise have succeeded in gaining broad sympathy from students and people living near the hunger strike posts. These posts put up banners titled “nationalise mining industries, repudiate foreign debt and leave any government that is pro-foreign interest (Golkar Dan Demokrat party)” received good responses. In Surabaya at Airlangga University, the hunger strike was opened by riding bicycles around the city. To accompany the hunger strike, some students in the Diponegoro University, Semarang, spread a plain white banner on which people can write their support.

Meanwhile in front of the campus of Social and Political Science Institute (IISIP) in Jakarta, white banner put up at the hunger strike post was quickly filled with writings of support from not only students but also locals who express their grievances of today’s economic situation. Some have even donated some money to support the hunger strike.

A significant number of hunger strikers had to be taken to the hospital.

(28/05) All hunger strikers in Jakarta were ordered to stop their strike after having been diagnosed with digestion problems. “Moreover these strikers were activists that used to actively take to the streets to protest oil price rise, consequently their physiques were weak since the beginning,” said Nugo, Jakarta hunger strike post coordinator.

(May 30) In Palembang, 3 out of 6 hunger strikers remain on strike, meanwhile 3 strikers - Reinhard (LMND), Fransiskus (STN), and Tison (SRMI) - in Siantar and one in Semarang had to be taken to hospital. A striker from Lampung, Doni (SRMI), was hospitalised after suddenly fell unconscious.

In Palu, Central Sulawesi, the hunger strike post located at the Provincial House of Representatives building was destroyed during a clash between students and police, when the LMND regional chairperson was beaten and arrested. At the time of writing (May 31), hunger strikes continue in Siantar Riau, Semarang, Salatiga, Kudus, and Semarang. Read more...

Hunger strike to refuse oil price rise

The resistance to refuse petrol price rise has been continuously sparking

Though the Indonesia government had officially announced fuel price rise on May 23, 2008, resistance kept spreading across the country.

Today, the National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), an organisation member of the National Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS), together with various student organizations started hunger strikes in 14 provinces to refuse fuel price rise as well as to demand the nationalisation of oil and mining industries.

The hunger strike takes place in campuses in Jakarta, Bandung (West Java province), Salatiga, Purwokerto and Semarang (Central Java province) Surabaya (East Java), Lampung province , Palembang (South Sumatra province), Makassar and Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi), Manado (North Sulawesi), Palu (Central Sulawesi provinces), Kendari (South-east Sulawesi Provinces), Mataram (West Nusatenggara), Labuhan Batu (North Sumatera Provinces), Pekan Baru, Riau Province, Gorontalo (Gorontalo Provinces). Read more...

Fuel Price Protest Turns To Clash; 8 Students Arrested

by Ulfa Ilyas, an LMND activist

May 23; Semarang, Central Java - About 200 protesters from Students and People Accuse Front demonstrated in front of Central Java Provincial parliament in Semarang. The action front, consisted of LMND, GMNI, HMI, PMII, and KAMMI, protested against fuel price rise and condemn it as a form of imperialist interest in Indonesia.

Police blockaded protesters in front of the gate. Pushings between protesters and police caused some broken windows in the building. This resulted in a clash with police that attacked and beat protesters from People Accuse Front.

According to information from Hengky F Matan, LMND regional secretary-general, 8 protesters were arrested during the demonstration while many were injured after being kicked and dragged by police during the arrest.

Those who were arrested are Rahmat Sutopo (LMND Semarang Municipal Chairperson), Darmawan Iskandar (LMND Semarang Regional Chairperson), Ali (GMNI), Ruben (GMNI), Zen (PMII), Topik (PMII), Toni (PMII).

Realising that their friends were being taken away, protesters tried to block police truck that carried 8 arrested activists. But police managed to restrain them and some were injured from getting hit by the truck.

Notes:

LMND - National Students' League for Democracy
GMNI - Indonesian Nationalist Students' Movement
PMII - Indonesian Moslem Students' Movement
KAMMI - Indonesian Moslem Students' United Action
HMI - Moslem Students' Association Read more...

News Roundup of May 21 Nation-wide Actions from People Accuse Front

Waves of protests against government's plan to raise fuel price are intensifying. They have spread to and involved almost all popular sectors (workers, students, peasants, and urban poor), several national political elites and economic figures. Below is a compilation of news on the actions of People Accuse Front (FRM) and National Students' League for Democracy (LMND) on May 21 across the country.

Jakarta: around 150 FRM protesters that camped on the Proclamation Monument continued their action to reject fuel price rise. They started the protest at HI roundabout and walked to the State Palace. While marching, the crowd chanted yells rejecting fuel price increase. In the State Palace, thousands of other demonstrators had already been protesting. FRM protesters tried to carry out a protest right in front of the palace, but police equipped with shields and helmets restrained them. Clash was unavoided. Several demonstrators and police engaged in physical fight. Eighteen protesters were arrested by the Police, two of whom were LMND activists (Reno and Bilal), the rest were from FAMRED and '98 Youth Front. A moment later, FRM protesters regrouped and engaged in sit-in protest. At the time of the writing, 18 FRM activists are still detained at Jakarta Regional Police.

Bandung, West Java: Protest against government's fuel price increase plan was carried out by about 50 LMND West Java activists. They started the protests from UNPAD campus and walked to Gedung Sate to hold demonstration rejecting the fuel price rise plan. Leonard, LMND spokeperson, said that SBY-JK do not have any reason to raise the fuel price. If world's fuel price rocketed, Indonesia should be able to reap the wind-fall profit, but since almost all of our oil and gas fields are controlled by foreign companies, Indonesia had to carry the burden being an oil importing country. Furthermore, Leonard concluded, the government should nationalise mining industry for energy security and as the basis for national industrialisation.

At Gedung Sate, LMND protesters and police engaged in pushings and later clashed as police beat and dispersed the protest. Five LMND activists suffered from minor wounds.

Palu, Central Sulawesi: about 30 people from the People's Anti Fuel Price Rise Movement carried out a demonstration in front of the provincial parliament. The coalition consisted of LMND and SRMI. They demanded that the government cancelled the plan to raise fuel price. Ahimsa, one of LMND Central Sulawesi executives, said in his speech: "We demand that the government nationalise foreign mining industry and repudiate foreign debt"

Kendari, South East Sulawesi: Protests against fuel price plan were carried out by the People Accuse Front (FRM) at Unhalu campus and later walked to the provincial parliament. FRM in Kendari consisted of LMND, SRMI, FMPR, AMIK Yappenas, and AMIK Catur Sakti. In front of Unhalu campus, protesters blocked the street before heading to the parliament. FRM Kendari rejected fuel price rise as it will bring more burden to the people and destroy the domestic industry. They demanded also the nationalisation of mining industry and cancellation of foreign debt.

Bima, NTB: Hundreds of protesters from LMND, SMI, and BPM STIKIP Bima carried out another protest against government's fuel price plan. However, the protest abruptly repressed by police that suddenly dispersed the masses and arrested some protesters. Eleven LMND protesters were detained.

Makassar, South Sulawesi: Thousands of people from People Accuse Front (FRM) South Sulawesi demonstrated in front of the house of Jusuf Kalla, the vice president, and headquarter of PT. Inco. The crowd consisted of students, workers, peasants, and poor rejected fuel price rise that will squeeze people's economy. Muhammad Anshar, chairperson of South Sulawesi Papernas, stated that the price increase happens because we do not have any energy security. Almost our entire mining sectors, especially oil and gas, is controlled by foreign corporations. The government must take a step by nationalising foreign-controlled mining industries as a way out of the energy crisis and imperialist domination.

Toraja, South Sulawesi: Six hundreds protesters from Tana Toraja Students' Alliance occupied the local parliament to reject the fuel price rise. The masses consisted of LMND Tana Toraja, UKI BEM, AKBID, AKPER, BEM STAKN Rantepao. Students' protests were also supported by their professors, who joined them. "The government do not have to raise fuel price rise!" yelled the protest leader. Paskah Linting, LMND Tana Toraja executive member, stressed that the government must have the courage to nationalise foreign owned mining industry and reject the payment of foreign debt that has taken up a big chunk of the state budget.

Protesters pressured members of parliament and Tana Toraja government to release a statement rejecting the fuel price rise. The parliament had planned to have a session in the following day to talk about the statement. Therefore, the protesters planned to return and bring more people to flank and pressure the local parliament during the session to write the rejection statement.

Manado, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of people from LMND, PRD, Papernas, and FNPBI carried out protest action against fuel price rise. Besides demanding nationalisation of mining industry, they also promoted the change in direction movement that seeks for new economic system, new president, and new government.

The peaceful protest suddenly stopped by police that restrained and beat protesters. Three LMND and Papernas activists were arrested after the clash. They are Ances from PRD, and Irman Hayun and Aman from LMND.

Bandar Lampung, Lampung: Dozens of organisations such as LMND, SPKL, SRMI, LPRKROB, UKM UBL, HIPMAWAN, SEMA Lambar, BEM STIKIP, STN, BEM FH-UTB, WALHI, FORMALAT, RESCO, KALAM-PBR, BEM UML, and LIMA protested the fuel price rise plan and demanded nationalisation of foreign owned mining industry. The protest went peacefully and uninterrupted by incidents of police repression.

Surabaya, East Java: Protests against government fuel price rise plan were carried out in waves. The first one was carried out by dozens of FPPI activists with street theatrical performance in front of the Grahadi building. Afterwards, 70 people from LMND Surabaya demonstrated in front of the Suryo Statue. Enjang, LMND spokeperson, said that the action is part of the national action against government's fuel price policy. She said that the government does not need to raise the fuel price as many options are still available, but that requires courage, which SBY-JK and their supporting parties (Golkar-Partai Demokrat) have no capacity to take.

Dozens of LMND Surabaya activists laid down on the street in front of the Suryo Statue. According to the protest leader, Hadi, it symbolises people's suffering from high fuel price.

Kudus, Central Java: Dozens of LMND activists in Kudus held a protest against fuel price rise at the city square. An LMND activist, Wahyu, in his speech call for more actions to take over foreign mines throughout Indonesia.

Medan, North Sumatra: Hundreds of people from the Poor People Front of Struggle (FPRM) demonstrated against fuel price rise in front of the provincial parliament. Protesters that consist mostly of the poor, workers, and peasants, carried out their main demand to reject the fuel price rise, reduce basic goods price, and nationalise foreign owned mines. At the provincial parliament, FRM protesters joined with other groups and student organisations and driver organisations (KESPER).

Semarang, Central Java: FRM's anti fuel price rise protest was carried out by LMND, SRMI, and Papernas. Hundreds of FRM protesters demonstrated in front of the provincial parliament, condemning the SBY-JK government as imperialist puppet. They burnt pictures of the president as a form of protest.

Salatiga, Central Java: Hundreds of protesters from Indonesian Coalition, consisted of LMND, PMII, and several local NGOs, demonstrated in front of the local parliament to reject government's fuel price plan and to demand that SBY-JK resign.

Purwokerto, Central Java: Hundreds of protester from KAMMI, LMND, HMI-MPO, GMNI, SMI and FMN carried out action to reject the fuel price rise as it will destroy the livelihood of the Indoneisan people, mostly workers, peasants, and the poor.

Ternate, North Mollucas: Anti-fuel price rise action carried out by around 500 people from LMND, BEM Fakultas se-UNKHAIR, GAMHAS, LISMI, HMI, SAMURAI initially went peacefully until police dismissed the protest by force. Fourteen* protesters were arrested.

The protest demanded that the government cancel fuel price increase because it will only burden the people. The government was also condemned for unable to stand up against foreign domination in the economy and mining sector. After the clash with police, protesters returned to campus to consolidate and plan for bigger action. At the time of the writing, all 14 activists are still detained in Ternate Police Resort.

Palembang, South Sumatra: Dozens of activists that called themselves the Palembang People Accuse Movement (GPRM) carried out action against fuel price increase in the provincial parliament and governor's office. The coalition consistsed of Prabam, LMND, and PMII. In their speeches they not only reject the fuel price plan and demand SBY-JK resignation, but also press for nationalisation of foreign owned mining as a solution to tackle fuel crisis.

Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta: Hundreds of protesters from People United Committee (KRB) carried out a protest against fuel price increase in front of the Agung building. KRB consisted of various social movement organisations in Yogyakarta. Alba, LMND Yogyakarta activist, said that the people and students will intensify anti-fuel price rise actions. Police abruptly attacked the protest resulting several protesters injured and one arrested.

* Due to some misunderstanding in communication, when reports received from other parts of the country were urgent and sometimes, unfortunately, not very consistent, we made a mistake by claiming that all 14 protesters arrested in Ternate were LMND members. Only one of the fourteen arrested was LMND activist, although LMND's role in the protest was prominent. Apology for the mistake.

Read more...

Dozens Arrested and Wounded As Police Repress Anti Fuel Price Rise Actions

May 21, Jakarta:

Commemorating a decade of Suharto's fall and protesting against government's plan to increase fuel price, some organisations from the People Accuse Front (FRM) that had stayed overnight in the Proclamation Monument, like LMND and GMNK, joined with other groups of demonstrator and action fronts in the Hotel Indonesia roundabout. At about 2 pm, the crowd reached up to thousands* and marched to State Palace. Masses from FRM positioned themselves in the front line and the entire crowd chanted yells demanding the president to make a decree that nationalise oil, gas, and mining industry to meet domestic need for fuel. In front of State Palace, pushings between protesters and police turned into a major clash as police repressed the crowd and arrested 18 students from LMND, FAMRED, and GMNK. Up until now, nobody has been released.

A student from University of Indonesia also reportedly suffered from shot wound in stomach and is currently being hospitalised.

Bima, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB):

Protesters from LMND, SMI, and BPM STKIP Bima started their protest in the morning by marching from STKIP Bima to a major intersection in the city. When performing theatrical protest, some police came and ordered them to dismiss themselves because of not having any permit. When protesters started to head to the Municipal Parliament, police dispersed the crowd, causing clash and arrest against 11 people with dozens wounded. Up until now, nobody has been released.

Manado, North Sulawesi:

Three activists were arrested by police, of which one was from PRD. Nobody has been released.

Please send your solidarity and support by sending your protest demanding that the detainees be released to the address below:

Indonesia National Police Headquarters
Fax: +62-21-7218144
SMS: +62-818-315703
Email: info@polri.go.id


List of Acronyms:

PRD - People's Democratic Party - Partai Rakyat Demokratik
FAMRED - Students' Action Front for Reform and Democracy - Front Aksi Mahasiswa untuk Reformasi dan Demokrasi
GMNK - Nationalist Popular Students' Movement - Gerakan Mahasiswa Nasional Kerakyatan
LMND - National Students' League for Democracy - Liga Mahasiswa Nasional untuk Demokrasi
SMI - Indonesia Stundents' Union - Serikat Mahasiswa Indonesia
BPM STKIP - Students' Representatives Body of Higher School for Education Knowledge - Badan Perwakilan Mahasiswa dari Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pendidikan

*After further cross checking, the number of people at this point was not as high as what was reported earlier (6,000), therefore we decided to correct it (thousands). Apology for the mistake. Read more...

People Accuse Front Surround State Palace

By Ulfa Illyas from Media Bersama
translated by Data Brainanta

On May 20, National Awakening Day, waves of mass actions rejecting the fuel price increase gained ground. In Jakarta, around 8000 people united under the People Accuse Front (Front Rakyat Menggugat) carried out protests from the Hotel Indonesia roundabout to the State Palace. They come from such organisations as the National Front of Indonesian Workers' Struggle (FNPBI), National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas), National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), Indonesian Poor Union (SRMI), Indonesian Peasant Council (DTI), PRODEM, Democracy Struggle Volunteers, Students' Action Front for Reform and Democracy (FAMRED), Indonesian Christian Students' Movement (GMKI), Indonesian Nationalist Students' Movement (GMNI), Moslem Student Association (HMI), Indonesian Buddhist Students' Association (HikmahBudhi), ISBO, GMNK, FAM Untirta, and others.

Representatives of some organisations gave political speeches. Banners and flags contained demands for the nationalization of mining industries. They also promoted what they called the Change in Direction Movement, which is a new economic system, a new president, and a new political party.

Dita Indah Sari, chairperson of the People's Democratic Party, said that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Yusuf Kalla's plan to raise fuel prices for the third time during their period in office is the fruit of a political and economic system that yields to foreign interests. About 90% of Indonesia's oil and gas fields are controlled by foreign multinationals. Meanwhile, the profit-sharing between the government and the corporations is not channeled to meet domestic needs. Instead, almost all petroleum production is exported abroad; thus, the fuel import implemented by the current government is a consequence of foreign domination in the economic sphere, especially the extractive industries.

Dita also stated that Indonesian people need not only a change of leaders but, most importantly, a new way: a new economic system, and a new leadership which can be summarised by the precepts of the Change in Direction Movement.

Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, an artist and TV host, arose from amidst the crowd to state her rejection of the fuel price increase. Moments later, Rizal Ramli, the former Coordinating Minister of Economy during the Gus Dur administration, gave a political speech. He claimed that raising the fuel price is not the last solution. There are many routes that can be taken by the government if only they would take an independent stance on economics and politics, rather than following the dictates of foreign interests. According to Ramli, the government must have the courage to wipe out the mafia that have embellished at least US $2 per barrel from oil imports. A revision of oil and gas profit-sharing schemes between the government and foreign corporations must be carried out to benefit Indonesia.

Marching towards the State Palace, the crowd chanted slogans demanding that the government nationalise foreign-controlled mining industries and repudiate foreign debts. A minor clash ensued in front of the Palace as police attempted to restrain the masses. After addressing political speeches, the crowd headed to the Proclamation Obelisk (Tugu Proklamasi). They planned to stayed there overnight before staging another protest the following day. Read more...

Workers, Poor Reject Petrol Price Rises Imposed 'On Behalf Of The Poor'

"Let’s seek the opportunity out of the world's crisis. In responding to the increase in global food prices, let us improve productivity. Amidst the oil crisis and price rises, let's be thrifty. Let's develop the energy resources.'' -- Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudoyono, May 1, 2008.

The poor will benefit from the increase in fuel prices rise, he said on May 7, 2008.

Meanwhile vice-president Yusuf Kalla said that so far the fuel subsidy has been benefiting the rich. He added "The protesters who oppose this policy mean that they are helping the poor.''

Acting as if they are doing it "on behalf of the poor'', the Indonesian government plans to impose a 30% rise on petroleum prices. It will be the third oil price rise under the Susilo Bambang Yudoyono government. To help the poor survive this unpopular policy, the government is granting direct cash transfers amounting 100,000 rupiah per month per family. The direct cash transfer "gift'' was also implemented with the oil price rise in 2005.

Will this price rise benefit the poor?

How about the increasing of poverty rate under this government? Currently, 40 million people, nearly a quarter of Indonesian population, are living under poverty line. Year on year inflation rate (to April) is 8.7%, mostly in food and energy price increases. Sofyan Wanadi, member of Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), admitted that the petroleum price rise has reduced purchasing power and is a threat to industry. The state budget allocation to pay foreign debts will absorb nearly US$90 billion compare to $46.7 billion allocated for the petroleum subsidy.

It takes independence to set people free from oil crisis.

In anticipating the world oil price rise, Indonesian government likely to have favourite instant solution, increase the country's daily oil andd gas production, which is 979 barrels. Even the oil and gas department has said it is likely climb to 1 million barrels per day in July from the new exploration in Cepu.

Meanwhile 90% of mining and oil corporations are owned by foreign companies. Chevron and Exxon are benefiting from the doubling in petrol prices, while the Indonesian people are lining up desperately for a litre of petrol.

If you visit Riau province, you will be amazed at the extent of Chevron large exploration area and offices, palm plantations as well as wood plantations. But you will also be shocked to find that the majority of the people in the hundred-thousand-hectare area of Riau subdistricts have no access to electricity. It is 14 kilometres to reach the closest petrol station to be able to put fill a two-litre diesel fuel can to operate their generator. Therefore most of must stay in the dark from afternoon to dawn. While Chevron's exploration, dormitories and office complexes are enjoying bright lights day and night.

Poor refusing their 'gift'

On May 11, 300 protesters from the Indonesian Poor People's Union (SRMI) marched to Yusuf Kalla's house in South Sulawesi to oppose the petroleum price rise. They continued their march to the local House of Representatives. "Do not say that this is for the poor, the experience has taught us that this policy has trapped the poor in deeper poverty'', Said Anca, Papernas' (National Liberation Party of Unity) South Sulawesi leader.

On May 12, 3000 protesters from SEGERA (Central Movement of the Riau People) surrounded to the local House of Representatives. In this two-day demonstration, they urged government to nationalise the mining and oil industries, as well address concerns about local land disputes.

The workers, farmers and the poor, who are also members of the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) took six to eight hours to drive from their settlements to the local House of Representatives building. They surrounded the house of representatives, chanting the slogan "Enough of being a coolie nation, now it is time to be an independent nation.'' Papernas chairperson Agus Priono said that selling out the national assets is a violation of the constitution. "To rescue Indonesia from the trap of the crisis we must radically change economic policy from a pro-capital policy to pro- people policy'', she told the crowd. After succeeding in passing the police barricades, the protesters stayed and erected a tent near the House of Representative.

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Mayday 2008 : The Struggle to End Energy Shortage

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The Poor Blame Transnationals and Government for Impoverishing The Nation

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Foreign-Owned Oil and Mining Companies Become Target of Protests.

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Queuing for oil in an oil-rich country

Thofilus Itta, 42 years old was found lifeless in his room in Surabaya, east Java on March 7, 2008. It was strongly believed that the father of two sons was exhausted after in line for three hours to obtain 5 liter petrol. Recently there have been 200 meter queues for petrol in Balikpapan, in East Kalimantan province - a place known as the "city of oil". In Cimahi, West Java, every day 500 people in line up for petroleum from early morning to afternoon. The same situation can be found in various cities of Indonesia. Queues for petrol, massive electricity black-outs, industry fuel shortages are current ironic phenomenon in this oil rich country.

According to a report issued on January 2008 by Energy Information Administration, Indonesia's oil production is 1.1 million barrel a day. Indonesia was also known as a first-rank natural gas producer in Asia Pacific. Unfortunately more than 90% of energy industries are Controlled by foreign corporations. Indonesia only owns 20 out of 137 companies of oil and gas.

ExxonMobil, the World biggest oil corporation gain $40.6 billion profit in year 2007 equal to Gross domestic Product of 120 country. Responding to this situation, affiliate organisations of the National Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS) have been organising series of public meetings and mass actions to demand the nationalization of the oil and mining industries. PAPERNAS will continue this round of actions up to May 2008.

On March 3, 2007 at Bandar Lampung, Lampung, around 600 people - mostly farmers and urban poor - attended a Papernas public gathering to demand the nationalization of mining and oil industries for people's welfare. In Lampung, 3.2 million out of its 8 million population are living below the poverty line.On March 10, 2008, the following mass actions to demand the nationalisation of oil and mining industries was held in three cities; Ternate, Maluku province; South Sulawesi province and Pekan Baru, Riau Province.

In the East Indonesian island-town of Ternate, hundreds of students united as the Coalition for Women's Concerns clashed with police in front of the North Maluku' Regional Assembly (DPRD) during a protest to demand the nationalisation of mining companies operating in the area. Five students were wounded, two of whom were badly injured and had to be taken to the hospital.

The clash started when police prevented some students from meeting with members of North Maluku' Regional Assembly. The coalition, initiated by the National Students' League for Democracy (LMND), also demanded that the government reduce prices of basic goods. Due to this incident at the end of the protest they also demanded that the Police Chief resign.

Meanwhile, in the city of Makassar - located at the southern tip of Indonesia's K-shaped island, Sulawesi - dozens of students from LMND carried out a protest in front of PT Inco's office to demand nationalisation of oil, gas, and mining companies in Indonesia. More than sixty percent of PT Inco's shares are owned by the world's second biggest nickel-producer, Canada-based Vale Inco; about 20 percent, owned by several Japanese companies; and the rest, sold in the Stock Exchange. PT Inco's operational plant in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, is notorious for creating land and water pollution, ecosystem damage, carrying out forced eviction, and therefore causing impoverishment and health problems among the local communities.

Students asked permission from security personnel to enter the company's office but were refused. In their statement, they demanded that the government should have the courage to nationalise the company or at least to renegotiate the contract of work to bring more
benefit to the people of South Sulawesi, to fund development, particularly education. Three decades since the start of its commercial production, PT Inco has not only given little royalties to the Indonesian government, but the company has also broken promises to provide free health care, education, electricity, clean water services and priority in employment.

In Pekan Baru, Riau Province, 800 people from PAPERNAS and Riau Peasant union (STR) gathered at Chevron's old artesian well and then convoyed to Chevron offices. The protestors demanded the nationalization of oil industries to provide electricity facilities
in Riau and also free education and health.

Chevron has been operating in this part of Indonesia for many years, extracting 500 million barrel per year. Yet the local Bengkalis and Kampar Regions have had no access to electricity since shortages of oil supply and facility in electricity power plant.

On 12 March 2008 in Jakarta 80 workers from The National Front of Indonesian Workers' Struggle (FNPBI) conducted a theatrical action in front of the ExxonMobil office in Sudirman, Jakarta. They queued up with empty bottles and jerry cans demanding the nationalization of oil and mining industries.

Dominggus Oktavianus, Chairperson of FNPBI saidd in his speech to the protest action: "The situation has become an emergency, people are lining up for petroleum, we have the phenomenon of blackouts in many cities, industries are crying out for diesel fuel, all while the giant corporations have full control of abundant energy resources in their hands.

"They gain abundant wealth while the people who own the land desperately line-up for oil, starving, trapped in illness and ignorance.

"Therefore the workers in Indonesia must unite with other oppressed people to take over foreign oil and mining corporations for the people's welfare."

FNPBI urged the government to issue a decree to nationalise the mining industries, to meet country's need of energy for household, transportation and industries. FNPBI also urged the government to create a national industrialisation program.

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Police Invaded Campus; Students and Activists Beaten and Shot

Kendari, Indonesia

At least thirty students injured and one - the student president - in critical condition after a throng of Police's mass dispersal unit brutally invaded the campus of University of Haluonelo (Unhalu) last Thursday to hunt students involved in peaceful demonstration against violence and eviction.

The Police carried machetes and shot aimlessly, destroyed cars, bikes, windows, and beat anyone in their sight.

The violence in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi was a response to the peaceful demonstration against eviction carried out by students, social justice activists, and urban poor the day before.

About 800 people from various groups that came from various parts of South-East Sulawesi province joined in the People's Alliance Against Eviction and held a rally at the city hall last Wednesday.

Prior to that, demonstrations marked the capital of the province, Kendari, to protest the eviction of peddlers.

Protesters engaged in pushing with the police and security that prevented them from entering the city hall.

About 50 thugs that were known to have involved in evictions arrived to the area.

The situation became tensed but the protest leader managed to calm the protesters and they were let into the city hall compound to speak their grievances.

After a ten minute speech, the protesters left the area while singing and chanting.

Suddenly, one protester at the back of the crowd was snatched and beaten up by five thugs.

The rest of the protesters that tried to help were thrown with rocks and attacked by thugs carrying machetes and knives.

They chased, beat and stomped the protesters who were mostly women and female students. Shots were heard coming from the police that dispersed the masses.

After having managed to regroup, representatives of each organisations involved in the protest and some 50 students from Unhalu returned to the city hall to protest the incidence and to ask about the condition of their friends who were trapped inside the compound.

Again, the situation got tensed and anger was in the air but they went back and held a press conference condemning the incidence.

They also held a meeting that decided to carry out another peaceful protest in the next day.

On Thursday, about 500 Unhalu students visited the city hall again and demanded to meet with the mayor.

As they were about to enter the compound, the police attacked them, shot their gun to the air and released tear gasses while some carried machetes and knives to chase the students

The students fled to their campus to regroup and took shelter in front of the rectorate building.

Soon the police came to invade the campus with three trucks full of anti-protester personnel, two pick-ups, two suvs, twenty dirt bikes commonly used to attack and disperse protests, and a watercannon vehicle.

The situation in the province capital of Kendari is still tensed as the police is still searching for students and activists, dozens of which were hospitalised and one was reportedly shot on the leg.

On Friday, the National Student's League for Democracy (LMND) issued a statement condemning the use of violence by the state apparatus, which has been very common in Indonesia. They demanded that:

1. The Indonesian Police Chief resign
2. The Human Rights Commision investigate the incidence
3. The intervention of state apparatus on education institutions (campus and schools) be stopped.
4. The Police consistently abide by Human Rights conduct in its recruitment, education, and operation.
5. The Parliament (DPR) and the government issue a policy that allow soldiers and police personnel democratic rights to protest against unconstitutional acts of their superior.
6. Kendari's Mayor and his subordinates resign and be responsible for the use of thugs and violence.

Please send your solidarity to their struggle by writing protest letters and fax them to the following:

1. South East Sulawesi Governor, Nur Alam: +62 401-391603
2. Police Chief of South East Sulawesi, Brig-Jend Djoko Satrio: +62 401 390047
3. Kendari Resort Police: +62 401-396521
4. Kendari Mayor, Asrun: +62 401-390047

The People's Alliance Against Eviction consists of the following organisations:

WAlhi Sultra, FITRA SIJAR Sultra, LEPMIL, HMI Perjuangan Cab. Kendari, SULUH Indonesia, UPLINK, KPI, ALPEN, LMND (National Student's League for De
mocracy), YPSHK, KBM-UNHALY, KOMDES, SRMK (Urban Poor Union), SHI SULTRA, JKPPR, FMPR, SUWAKA, Yasinta

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Students Demand Nationalization of Mining Industries for Free Education.

Again, National Students' League for Democracy (LMND) in Makassar, South Sulawesi Branch visited Inco's office on March 10, 2008. The students demanded nationalization of mining industries for free education. They also addressed the government to revoke foreign investment law, and oil and gas regulation which opened the way for the domination of foreign mining and oil companies.

INCO has been in operation since 1968. In 1995, it renewed its exploration contract with the Indonesian government for another 30 years. In 2007, Inco gained profit of $513,4 million. The protesters wanted to meet with Inco's representatives but were refused by the security guards. Students then installed a placard written “ State’s property” and Nationalize INCO!”

The student then marched to the house of the Vice President, Yusuf Kalla. (** Gusti Sari)

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News From LMND

The National Liberation Party and its organization initiated The Party will have been organizing three months action to demand the Nationalization of mining and oil industries. Nationalization of mining and oil industries is our main program to overcome the country’s crisis. Following are the student’s protest in Exxon office in Jakarta. The other simultaneous action to voice our demand have been staging in several city.

On Monday February 25, 2008 about 100 students from LMND North Maluku, together with several other organizations (GAMHAS Ternate, LISMI Ternate, and University Hairun), carried out a street demonstration in the heart of the Ternate City. The action lasted four hours and its route went pass the offices of the Governor the North Moluccas, Provincial Legislative Council North Moluccas, and the offices Radio Republic of Indonesia. Apart from demanding the nationalization of foreign mining (such as P.T. Nusa Halmahera Minerals) to pay for free education, the students demanded the rejection of the Legal institution of education Bill, now before parliament; the revision of law of the System of National education 2003; higher prices for local products such as cloves, nutmeg, chocolate, and copra; higher workers' pay; lower fuel and oil prices; along with subsidies for poor fisher folk.

****

PAPEERNAS is also organized a protest of 300 students and poor farmers around the “Nationalize the foreign mining companies” in Maubere, Flores, on February 25. PAPERNAS and its affiliates will be mobilizing around this demand right through March 2008.

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Papernas South Sulawesi Province demand nationalization of foreign mining.

On February 29, Papernas South Sulawesi Province carried out an action around the demand of the "Nationalization of foreign mining is a road out of the energy crisis and the domestic industry".

The action that was held in the centre of the Palu City (the Hasanuddin Roundabout) with drew about 40 people and also focused on the Phenomenon of the blackouts and the scarcity of fuel oil in the Palu City.

Papernas South Sulawesi considered that the two crises were a result of the government’s lack of seriousness in constructing the national industry.

Apart from being filled up by political speeches from various supporting mass organizations of Papernas, the action was livened up by the appearance happening art from students from the Palu City LMND.

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LMND Labuhan Batu regent demands the nationalization of foreign-owned mines

Around 25 students from the National Students League for Democracy

(LMND) Labuhan Batu, North Sumatera again took to the streets on March 3 and marched to the Regional Legislative Council

They took to the streets to express the demand for the nationalization of the foreign mining industry to pay for free education and the resolution of problems of the campus in Labuhan Batu.

The National Liberation Party of Unity

Jl Tebet dalam 2G no 1

Jakarta Selatan-Indonesia

papernas@yahoo.com

+62218354513

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National Student League for Democracy (LMND) To Build Up Nation-Wide Nationalisation Campaign

Saturday (March 1, 2008) Beginning last Monday, LMND held two-day demonstrations in Jakarta to rally the campaign for the nationalisation of oil, gas, and mining industries.

On the first day, about 150 students protested against ExxonMobil in front of the commercial building that houses its headquarters. The richest energy company was targeted because it recently attacked Chavez's anti-imperialist government by taking legal action to freeze the assets of the Venezuelan state's oil company, PDVSA.

"Therefore, LMND made a good decision in protesting in front of Exxon's headquarters, as the company rightly symbolizes foreign corporation in the extractive sector," said Rudi Hartono, an LMND leader. ExxonMobil is just one of the dozens of foreign companies that exploit 92% of Indonesia's hydrocarbon and mineral wealth.

Central Java LMND's Chairperson, Maman, said that "It is so unjust that ExxonMobil gained USD $40.6 Billion yearly profit while almost 3 billion people in the world live in poverty and at least 25,600 children die each day from malnutrition." Some protesters carried placards with pictures of Fidel, Chavez, and Morales, along with Indonesia's former left nationalist President, Sukarno, with the slogan "Nationalise oil, gas, and mining industries for free and quality education!"

LMND's General Chairperson, Lalu Hilman Afriandi, mentioned in his speech that "millions of Indonesian school-age children have dropped out due to lack of funds; the Indonesian poor are more and more denied access to affordable education." The protest was ended by reading the 'proclamation of national liberation', an assertion to multinationals to respect and acknowledge national sovereignty as well as a declaration of genuine political-economic independence modeled on the country's anti-colonial 'proclamation of independence' of 1945.

The next day, 130 LMND activists marched to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to protest the government's continuing submission to the interests of multinationals. Furthermore, a range of legislation has opened the door for more plundering of the country's wealth by foreign interests.

The Hydrocarbon Law (2001), for instance, stripped bare the state's sovereignty on the management of hydrocarbon compared to the earlier legislation of the 60s, therefore contradicting Article 33 of the Constitution that states that natural resources "shall be controlled by the state and shall be used for the greatest welfare of the people."

Some representatives of LMND's National Executive entered the Ministry's office to deliver an open letter demanding the revocation of such legislation; and the restructuring of all oil, gas, and mining deals with foreign companies on the basis of:

1. The fulfillment of domestic energy needs
2. Increase of state ownership (divest shares belonging to foreign companies)
3. Increase of state revenue by raising the state's royalties and cutting cost recovery value.

The purpose of these demands is to educate that Indonesia must immediately 'change its course' to reject neo-colonialism and imperialism. "This is just a prelude of the people's movement to nationalise the extractive industries," said the Action Coordinator. "LMND will continue to protest foreign companies' offices in every region"

Nationalisation is one of the three main programs of the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas), the political party that LMND built with other organisations to contest in the 2009 election; cancellation of foreign debt and national industrialisation constitute the second and third programs.

According to Papernas' monthly publication, Berdikari - a popular acronym meaning self-sufficiency, coined by Sukarno - the campaign for the three main programs (nicknamed the Three Banners (Tripanji)) is politically aimed at polarising the political currents leading to the election--showing them to be pro or anti foreign oppression. "The Parliament has just introduced one of the toughest electoral verification systems in the world to strengthen the position of the big ruling parties and to establish two-party democracy by excluding the left," explained Katarina, Papernas' International Officer.

"Despite these immense obstacles and several attacks from militarily organised 'anti-communist' right wing groups and thugs," she continued "Papernas is committed to intervening in the election to offer alternatives to the people and to rally against the neo-colonialism and imperialism that have caused profound crises in people's livelihood." (** Data Brainata)

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