Bagus Kurniawan/BI & LM, Jakarta – The nightmare of unemployment has been weighing on the minds of thousands of members of the state-sponsored civilian security forces, known as Kamra, which are set to be officially disbanded at the end of the year. As a result, Kamra members from two districts in Yogyakarta have taken to the streets and marched to the provincial Legislative Council to plead that their fate be considered.

Around 700 Kamra members from the Sleman area and 300 from central Yogyakarta city marched in full uniform to the Legislator's office in the heart of Yogyakarta on Monday from 10am. The guards formed a convoy of motor cycles and cars which blocked traffic in the city's main road, Malioboro street.

"We have come to the Council to ask for their assistance and that they continue to fight for our cause," Kamra member Budi Raharjo told Detik during the rally. He explained that Kamra members had families to support.

"If we were fired we would add to the poverty problem in Indonesia," he said angrily. Budi also said that the existence of Kamra was of benefit to the general public. "We have a sound basis of militarism, it's a pity if we're disbanded", he said.

Budi and his fellow Kamra members are requesting that the provincial legislators assist them by allowing members to join Indonesian Police units or the military.

"We have already taken part in training exercises over the past two years. We're also sure that the armed forces and the police still require Kamra's services. Therefore if the government wants to disband Kamra without channeling [our expertise], it's best if the disbursal be postponed," Budi said.

As of 11am, Kamra members gathered on the front lawn of the Provincial Legislative Council in Yogyakarta patiently waiting to meet with representatives of the Council who are meeting to discuss the murder of a journalist named Udin.