INDONESIAN WORKERS STAGE PROTEST AGAINST ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE TIES

ROMPIN (Malaysia), Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Some 200 Indonesian workers gathered
peacefully in front of the worker's quarters of YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd
here to protest against attempts by certain groups to create tension between
Malaysia and Indonesia.


The protesters, who gathered for about 30 minutes, carried banners that
read, "Kumpulan bendera jangan cemari kami" (Bendera group don't undermine us),
"Kami mencari rezeki halal di Malaysia" (We are working for a livelihood in
Malaysia) and "Malaysia dan Indonesia serumpun" (Malaysia and Indonesia are of
the same stock).

Rompin OCPD DSP Johari Jahaya, who was at the scene, ordered the group to
disperse as the gathering had no police permit.

A worker, Talib Halim Abdullah, 38, of Flores, said they wanted to show
displeasure over the action of a small group of Indonesians who fanned hatred
against Malaysia.

Talib, who has been working at the plantation since seven years ago, said
they were treated well by the Malaysian government.

"There is really no need to disturb Malaysia. We live in peace here," he
said.

Another worker, Tupan Pramana Putra, 38, of Central Java said the peoples of
both countries should live in harmony as they came the same stock.

He did not agree to the action of Bendera, saying the peoples of both
countries should instead work together in developing their respective countries.

Bendera vigilantes recently launched the "sweeping" of Malaysians off the
streets of Jakarta and threatened to wage war on Malaysia.

This was the second protest by Indonesian workers after the one in Cameron
Highlands on Sunday.
-- BERNAMA