Workers Want To Demo At MH Thamrin Until The Night, The Police Will Take This Action

Demonstrations In The Horse Statue Area Of Central Jakarta/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Komarudin responded to the workers' plan to hold a demonstration on Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, until the evening.

Komarudin asked the labor group to voice their aspirations according to the rules. Based on Law Number 9 of 1998 concerning Independence Expressing Opinions in Public, demonstrations are only allowed until 18.00.

Komarudin said this appeal was made in order to maintain conduciveness and not interfere with community activities, especially those who carry out activities around the location of the demonstration.

"Please convey its aspirations in an orderly manner and of course we hope not to interfere with the activities of the people of the capital city. Moreover, those who will pass to Jalan Sudirman, Thamrin, Monas and so on. Please if it is regulated in the laws and rights of every citizen, it is legal, but the public interest is also our common concern," Komarudin told reporters, Thursday, August 10.

Regarding the plan for the mass of workers who want to occupy the location of the action until the evening, Komarudin said that his party would follow up with persuasive efforts.

"Of course, even if the masses will carry out such activities, firstly persuasive steps, we will take appeals," he said.

On the other hand, Komarudin appealed to the public to avoid the Horse Statue area to the Central Jakarta MH Thamrin in passing, so they don't get stuck in traffic jams.

"To the public, please understand that there is currently an action from our fellow workers. The traffic flow leading to Monas is currently jammed and efforts are being diverted to either Sabang through Sarinah or towards Kebon Sirih," he said.

Previously, a group of workers who were members of a number of alliances planned to occupy the demonstration point on Jalan MH Thamrin until the evening. Now, they have gathered and started to take turns.

"The latest information is until 21.00 WIB at night. Everything here is centered here," said a representative from the Indonesian Trade Union Alliance Congress (KASBI), Ahmad Taufik when met at the location of the action.

Ahmad Taufik hopes that employees based in buildings along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and MH Thamrin will join the mass action demanding the rejection of the Job Creation Law.

"So the motorbikes are not placed in parking bags because of the orientation to occupy the road and invite workers in the office. Therefore, we may stay on the road," he said.