WORKERS FREE TO OBSERVE LABOR DAY : SENIOR MINISTER

Jakarta, April 30 (ANTARA) - Workers organizations are free to observe International Labor Day on Friday (May 1, 2009) but they should conduct their rallies in orderly manner and not disturb public security, a senior minister said.

"I think it is normal for labor unions to observe Labor Day, but they have to do it in orderly manner without disturbing public security," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo As said here on Thursday.

However, Widodo added that the police have made necessary preparations to anticipate unwanted incidents during Labor Day celebrations on Friday.

"The preparations made by the police are appropriate but the important thing is that everything should run well and not disturb security," Widodo said.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri said the number of police personnel prepared to ensure security would be adjusted to the activities in the observance of Labor Day on Friday.

"Everything is ready, and the number of security personnel is in accordance with the intensity of the activities tomorrow," the Police chief said.

A number of labor groups from Tangerang and Bekasi have said they were ready to stage a rally in Jakarta on Friday to mark International Labor Day.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday (April 27, 2009) also asked labor unions intending to stage rallies on Labor Day on May 1 not to disturb security and order in the country.

Addressing members of the National Tripartite Cooperation Institute (LKS) at the State Palace here on Monday, President Yudhoyono said workers were free to stage rallies on May 1 as an expression of certainty in a democracy.

"Go ahead, but do it in a proper manner without disturbing political security and stability, because it is a once-a-year expression of workers' aspirations in a democracy," Yudhoyono said.