Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – Thousands of workers and students from a variety of organisations in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta commemorated International Labour Day or May Day today demanding wage increases and social welfare.

Among others, the demonstration was joined by protesters from the Yogyakarta Workers Alliance (ABY), the Media Workers Union (SPM) and the Independent Trade Union Federation (FSPM).

During the action, the thousands of protesters packed the length of the Jl. Malioboro area of central Yogyakarta forcing traffic to be diverted by police.

In speeches they condemned the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono saying they had failed to bring prosperity to the ordinary people.

FSPM action coordinator Ali Prasetyo said in a speech that workers reject the use of labour outsourcing and called for a national workers insurance scheme. "Abolish and revoke contract systems and contract labour", said Prasetyo.

The demonstration was closely watched over by hundreds of police officers who were placed on alert at important locations such as the Pertamina state-owned oil company offices, the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the Yogyakarta Governor's office. (bgs/gah)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]