Pocong Shows Up in May Day Demonstration

At least 8,000 labors, who are members of Federation of Metal Workers of Electronics and Engineering (LEM FSP) and All Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI), hold demonstration on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, demanding increase in welfare in the form of contract workers abolition. The demonstration marking the International Labor Day (May Day) is also enlivened by the presence of pocong (shrouded ghost) and its coffin.

We rewarded the coffins and pocong as a form of warning that all humans will die. Therefore, do not let the angel (of death) warn them (the government)

FSP LEM demonstration spokesman, Aziz Sharif, said the action is marked by the delivery of two coffins and one pocong that is handed over to the security forces. This death symbolic submission is a form of their rejection against several government’s policies that are assessed detrimental to the labors.

“ We rewarded the coffins and pocong as a form of warning that all humans will die. Therefore, do not let the angel (of death) warn them (the government) ,” he uttered, Thursday (5/1).

Zombie and Reog Ponorogo Coloring May Day in front of State Palace

Some of the government’s policies the labors demand to be abolished are the Specific Time Work Agreement (PKWT), outsourcing system, and labor supply (employment service), in which they assessed not in accordance with the law. In addition, they also demand health care service guarantee in BPJS and reject the suspension of the implementation of Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP/UMSP) provision. This action is tightly guarded by a number of personnel from the police, military, and Satpol PP.

“There are 600 security personnel consist of 300 policemen, 200 soldiers, and 100 Satpol PP officers on guard at City Hall,” stated Head of City Hall Security Objects, Aryo.