Commemorating May Day or International Labour Day in West Java, dozens of workers ranging from factory workers to media workers along with other elements of society throughout Greater Bandung demonstrated at the Cikapayang Park in Bandung city on Thursday May 1.
Standing under the sun's intense heat, men and women, old and young, the masses came to the rally calling out a number of demands and carrying a number of pamphlets and flags containing expressions of their concerns.
Ajat, one of the workers who is a member of the Greater Bandung Workers Alliance (ABBR), highlighted unhealthy industrial conditions. There are still a number of companies that pay workers inadequately due to the lack of work safety guarantees.
"Especially the conditions for female workers who today are much more vulnerable, especially amidst the difficulties of becoming permanent employees. In the end, this will not only affect their health but job security as well", he said speaking at the location.
On the other hand, the ABBR also highlighted the capitalist industry's continued exploitation of the environment and nature, not just human resources. This is something that is increasingly saddening because it could lead to disaster.
"The consequences are felt everywhere: Land conversion, ecological damage, and increasing natural disasters. All of these are a direct impact of industrial greed that robs people of their living space for the sake of capital accumulation", the ABBR was quoted as saying in a press release.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Bandung Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Ikbal Tawakal, highlighted the many rights of media workers that have not been fulfilled, including decent wages and health insurance.
"In addition to a decent wage, other normative rights must also be obtained by journalists, namely the right to leave – whether it be annual leave, sick leave, or maternity leave for female journalists. The right to rest or recuperate is a right that cannot be ignored," he said.
The May Day action at Cikapayang Park is planned to continue into the afternoon. As of 12.30 pm, the crowd continued to grow. This action was not only filled with speeches, but also music and theatre performances, and there was even a coordination post (posko) for workers to vent their concerns.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "May Day di Taman Cikapayang Bandung, Buruh Demo Tuntut Upah Layak".]
