Jakarta – Union leaders have called off a rally planned for Friday in Jakarta after a similar march Wednesday ended in violence, which they claim was instigated by outside parties seeking to sow chaos.
The Confederation of All-Indonesia Workers Unions (KSPSI), which organized Wednesday's rally to denounce any changes to the 2003 Labor Law, has pledged to find those responsible for the violence.
KSPSI chairman Syukur Sarto promised Thursday the organization would find the people behind the violence and win the freedom of eight confederation members arrested as suspects in the clash between protesters and the Jakarta Police.
"We are now looking into the matter... we will pass on our findings to the police when we have concrete evidence." Syukur said an unidentified group of people wearing red ribbons around their arms was present at the rally. He said they drew attention because the agreed upon dress code for KSPSI members was work uniforms decorated with white or blue ribbons. "They were on the front line when the clash started and they were the first to flee the scene when the police began dispersing marchers. We will find them," he said.
Police arrested 14 people during the clash Wednesday, naming eight as suspects in instigating the violence. If found guilty the suspects could face a maximum sentence of six years in jail.
Workers themselves are questioning the political agenda of those behind the violence, which has worsened labor's already tense relationship with business and the government.
Consolidation of Muslim Workers Unions chairman Abdul Rozak Yahya reported to the police the invitation letter the group received to take part in the commemoration of International Labor Day on Monday carried a hammer-and-sickle logo, the symbol of Communism.
Businesses in Jakarta are continuing to count the costs of Wednesday's massive rally. Turnpike operator PT Jasa Marga estimated the rally caused the company total losses of Rp 1 billion (US$111 million), including lost income from turnpike users, damaged road separators and broken lamps along the Cawang turnpike in East Jakarta.
"That's the price of democracy, I guess... I hope people can find other ways to express their opinions rather than staging violent protests," company spokesman Zuhdi Saragih said.
The demonstration caused heavy traffic congestion on the city's main thoroughfares for much of the day, leaving many motorists unable to reach their destinations.
Protesters also tore down gates in front of the House of Representatives. The Jakarta administration estimates more than Rp 160 million in damage was caused just from broken flower pots along the median strip on Jl. Gatot Subroto, as well as from damage to a bus stop in front of the House building.
"We haven't counted nonmaterial losses. I had to cancel all of my activities outside the office Wednesday due to the rally," Governor Sutiyoso said.
The business community is concerned the violent demonstration could scare off potential investors. "If workers stay off the job long enough, they will hold back production and investors will no longer trust doing business in Indonesia," Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Sofjan Wanandi said.
Apindo reported that members suffered Rp 850 billion in losses from Monday's rally and another Rp 71 billion in losses Wednesday. "I deplore these rallies. Workers are supposed to bring a good image to their companies so they can attract investors," Electronic Employers Association chairman Rachmat Gobel said.