D. Sangga Buana/FW & AH, Jakarta – Nearly 1500 laborers staged a rally at the Jakarta Special Province Local Administration Office today to demand the increase in minimum regional wages, previously promised by Jakarta Governor, Sutiyoso. The workers, who arrived at 9am local time, represent various companies such as Indo Panca, Dian Raya Percetakan, Tunas Sukses, Big Star dan Wonderfull.

The coordinator of the All-Indonesia Workers Union for the Pulo Gadung Industrial Complex, Mustakin, stated that the workers are demanding that the Jakarta Governor to revise the promised minimum regional wage. "We are only asking for Rp 500,000 minimum wage per month (US$ 56). It is badly needed because the price of basic commodities is increasing," said Mustakin.

The demonstrators staged their rally in an orderly manner, shouting slogans and holding up posters. Nonetheless, their actions caused a severe traffic jam after they spread a 15 meter banner across the road between Medan Merdeka square and the Jakarta Special Province Local Administration Office. The banner contained the workers demands and complaints such as, "Basic commodities too expensive – we can't afford them", "Not a high minimum wage, only Rp 500.000" and "Our lives have been miserable, don't make it worse".

Security forces did not appear concerned, with only about 20 security personnel seen at the closed gate of the office. Employees also appeared apparently undisturbed by the action, continuing work as usual. At the time of going to press, representatives from three companies were still attempting to hold talks with Jakarta Local Administration Office. No information was available on the Office's response.