FEDERASI SERIKAT PEKERJA BUMN BERSATU

Seaport workers reject bill
JAKARTA: Seaport workers are threatening to hold a series of rallies to reject a new bill on shipping, which they say will allow for seaport liberalization at their expense.

"If this bill goes through, then the private sector and foreign companies could take over the control of our ports," said Arief Poyuono, coordinator for the National Committee Against the Liberalization of Indonesian Seaports.

Arief said if passed, the bill would allow private and foreign companies to divide the seaport businesses between them.

"The bill threatens the livelihood of numerous seaport workers," he said.

He said the seaport workers planned successive rallies and would go on strike in the coming week to oppose the bill, which is being deliberated at the House of Representatives. -- JP