The State Grahadi Building on Jl. Gubernur Suryo in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya is a popular target of protest actions. Today, Wednesday December 20, the Preparatory Committee of the National Liberation Party of Unity (KP-Papernas) used the location to commemorate Mother’s Day (Hari Ibu).).
In taking up the momentum of Mother’s Day, the scores of Papernas activists demanded that the government must provide free education and healthcare for mothers and children. In addition to this, they also urged the government to provide quality clinics for mothers and children that are free and easily accessible.
“In commemorating the anniversary of Mother’s Day, we are demanding free education and healthcare for mothers and children”, said one of the protesters in a speech.
The action at the Grahadi Building proceeded in a safe and orderly fashion although police stood guard and maintained security.
After giving speeches they then held a long-march to the Surabaya municipal government offices via Jl. Gubernur Suryo and Jl. Yos Sudarso. An escort of security personnel accompanied the rally. (ret/lam)
[Translated by James Balowski.]