In April 1994, tens of thousands of workers took to the streets in Medan, Indonesia, demanding higher wages, improved benefits and freedom of association. Notable for their size and anti-Chinese violence, the protests underscored the Indonesian government's urgent need to address worker's rights issues. Without representative organizations through which the workers can responsibly channel their many grievances, the labor situation is sure to remain explosive. The government's response, however, has been to place all blame for the violence on an independent trade union and imprison its leadership.
The Medan Demonstrations and Beyond