Ivansyah, Jakarta – Executives of the State oil and gas company Pertamina in its facility in Balongan, West Java met protesting workers on Friday (19/3) after three days of protests to demand payrise and permanent employment status by workers.

Hundreds of workers in Balongan oil terminal in Indramayu blocked the main gate of the facility by setting up tent and occupy the area, disrupting tankers access in and out of the the facility.

Workers received in average of Rp1 million per month, far below the Rp2,5 million minimum standard in oil industry, and workers demanded raise up to the minimum level. They also demanded Pertamina to improve their employment status to permanent.

Police trying to disperse the protest finally mediated a meeting between representatives of the workers and the company. Pertamina sent Assistant Manager of Public Relation of Pertamina EP Dian Hapsari Firasati, which told workers that they would bring the demand to Jakarta. Disappointed workers continue their protest and the blocking.

The Balongan well produces around 120 barrels of oil per dayand warned that the protest would affect Pertamina's operation all over the country.