Workers' Liberty

By Harry Glass

The former Indonesian dictator Suharto died on 27 January, without facing justice for the millions he killed or the wealth he appropriated during his 33 years in power.

Dita Sari, the former trade union leader and political prisoner under the Suharto regime, is chair of the ‘ new, broader National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas). She will be its candidate for the 2009 presidential elections. Sari was interviewed by Green Left Weekly in January. Below are some extracts.

In Solidarity 3/105, 25 January 2007 we reported on the Papernas party in Indonesia, which held its first conference on 18-20 January. The party includes the People’s Democratic Party (PRD), the main socialist opposition party in Indonesia, which includes Dita Sari and other militants.

According to International Viewpoint the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) in Indonesia is about to form a new political party. At the end of November, the National Liberation Party of Unity, or PAPERNAS will hold its founding congress.

Indonesia

Trade union rights may be curbed in new special economic zones (SEZs) in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, according to press reports.

Indonesia

A wave of protests — including on May Day — by Indonesian workers has forced the government to put off its draft labour law.

By Pablo Velasco

Pakistan

Six Pakistani left parties and groups have united to form Awami Jamhoori Tehreek (AJT — the People’s Democratic Movement), which has the potential to become the fifth-largest political group in Pakistan. The AJT aims to contest the 2007 elections.

Around 25,000 workers at electronics company PT Maspion went on strike on at the end of February demanding that the company implement a new regional minimum wage.

Bolivia

The Bolivian elections on 18 December are being hailed as the end of 20 years of neoliberalism.

Dita Sari spoke to Melissa White when Dita visited Brisbane in July 2005.

Dita Sari, a leading socialist, trade unionist and anti-sweatshop activist in Indonesia, looks at how women and migrant workers are faring in Indonesia today.

By Katrina, FNPBI, Indonesia

The Katexindo factory is located in North Jakarta. The workers produce clothes for well-known brands such as GAP, Polo, Ralph Laurent, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

By the FNPBI

The workers of the Binoli factory have begun an occupation. Situated in north Jakarta, Binoli produces 6,000 items of GAP baby wear per day.

More than 2,000 Indonesian garment workers have staged a strike to protest at their ill-treatment and unpaid overtime fees. The workers of Katexindo Citra Mandiri have been on strike since 14 May 14, according to the National Front for Indonesian Workers Struggle (FNPBI).

ARGENTINA

Last month a judged ordered that a public notice of ownership be posted at the ceramics Zanon factory in Argentina.

The notice would have allowed a venture capitalist or the previous owner to buy Zanon Ceramics for pennies.

A group representing 52 trade unions has expressed “disappointment” with the poor performance of new Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his first 100 days in office.

Workers at the PT Sarasa Nugraha factory in Indonesia are entering their second year of a dispute over union busting.

Workers belonging to the Enterprise Level Trade Union (SPTP) attempted to negotiate higher wages at the beginning of 2004. The company’s management became increasingly uncooperative, closing the factory in February 2004.

From a statement by the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) of Indonesia.

A round-up of the latest news from working-class struggles around the world.

A round-up of international class struggle news

Former Suharto-era general Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono and former Golkar official Yusuf Kalla have been elected as president and vice-president in the second round of Indonesia’s first direct presidential election. Yudhoyono won 61% of the vote against outgoing President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s 39%.

On 8 September 200 police attacked the striking workers of PT Shamrock in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Several workers were injured, also some police. This was the most brutal attempt so far to suppress the building of an alternative union in this factory. The workers at Shamrock produce rubber gloves, for medical use, for a US transnational.

Indonesian sweatshop worker on the daily grind

The front running candidate in this month's Indonesian Presidential elections, former general Susilo Baubang, may face a run-off election in September. If this so-called "thinking general" wins he will not change the government's commitment to free market economics. The economics which have left 40 million Indonesians unemployed and half of the population of 220 million living on less than US$2 a day.

Nenang works in a factory that makes products for several major sportswear companies. He visited Britain recently*. He described the reality of Indonesian capitalism to Mick Duncan.

By Harry Glass

The general elections on 5 April will not provide a solution to the problems faced by the Indonesian people because the majority of political parties are rotten, says the People's Democratic Party (PRD) in Indonesia.

• Indonesia: textile workers' victory

• No Sweat discusses Iraq workers' solidarity
• Women's TUC fringe meeting
• No Sweat steering group
• Play Fair Olympics campaign

Indonesia: textile workers' victory

By Pablo Velasco

• Bolivian general strike

• Muchtar Pakpahan to stand in Indonesian elections
• Good news from Greece

Bolivian general strike

Bolivia is on the verge of a third uprising in the space of a year - with trade unions calling for an indefinite general strike this month.

By the FNPBI

The governments of England and the US were the first to introduce neo-liberal economic policies, thanks to Thatcher and Reagan. This exploitative policy subsequently became what's been called "globalisation". Developed countries have succeeded in putting pressure on countries in the third world to open up their markets, implement trade liberalisation to the fullest and cut off subsidies for the poor. This process has been sustained despite the enormous misery ordinary people have to suffer.

by Pablo Velasco

• Indonesian party fights for legal recognition
• Hong Kong: Article 23 postponed
• Korean unions to stand in parliamentary elections
• Yale University strike
• General strike in Bangladesh
• Colombian Coca-Cola workers face the sack

• South Korea: a summer of discontent

• Free Brazilian landless workers!
• General strike in Chile
• Support locked-out Indonesian workers
• Protests at WTO Cancun, Mexico

• People's United Opposition Party launched in Indonesia

• Guatemalaen maquila workers' victory
• Victory in the Hyundai strike
• Sri Lankan trade unionists under attack
• Yao Fuxin and Xio Yunliang moved to labour camp
• Brazil pension reform sparks workers protest