M. Munab Islah Ahyani, Bandung – A demonstration by workers in Bandung [West Java] has resulted in a worker being shot. At the time a number of workers were ganging up on a Bandung police officer Ipda Hotman Gultom. The workers [were trying to] take Hotman's pistol but the pistol suddently discharged and hit a worker in the leg.
The incident occurred at around 12noon on Monday in front of the PT Oriental factory, Cimindi, Bandung. The unidentified worker who was shot in the leg was rushed to hospital.
The workers had been holding a demonstration with the theme of a Joint United Soldiarity Action since morning. Hundreds of workers mobilised from industrial areas around Bandung. Their plan was to converge at the West Java People's Representative Assembly (DPRD) on Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung.
From the west textile workers from Cimindi, Cimahi, and Leuwi Gajah held a "long march" towards the DPRD however security forces blocked them at Cimindi so they were unable to continue the march.
According to the chairperson of West Java FNPBI (Front Nasional Perjuangan Buruh Indonesia, Indonesian National Front For Labor Struggle), Etty Rostiawati, when security forces blocked the workers a number of small incidents occurred. As a result 15 workers were arrested and a number suffered minor injuries.
However around 12noon a serious incident occurred. At the time a Bandung police officer, Ipda Hotman Gulton, who had prevented a number of workers from provoking workers from another factory to hold a demonstration was ganged up on by eight workers. According to information from journalists they tried to take a mobile phone, a communication device and a Gultom pistol which was slipped in his belt.
As Hotman was trying to defend himself the pistol suddenly discharged. The bullet hit the leg of one of the workers who was ganging up on him. In the end security forces were able to beak up the fight and the victim was rushed to hospital.
As a result of the incident police arrested 27 workers who are suspected of being involved in the demonstration and the incident. However no official information has been released [by the police] and Hotman has not spoken to journalists. Bandung police chief Edward Syah Pernong has not been able to grand requests for a response.
Meanwhile a the grounds of the DPRD, 200 workers are still continuing their demonstration, giving speeches while they wait for their comrades [to arrive]. The security at the DPRD appeared tight with troops from three trucks and three armored vehicles on alert. The Central Bandung police chief Irwanto said that aside from this the situation was secure and under control.
[Translated by James Balowski.]