ICEM saw, but didn't quite conquer...

ICEM saw, but didn't quite conquer...

The ICEM delegation to KPC in November 1999 concluded that, despite the formation of the "reformasi" FSPSI union (an attempt to take workers out from under the umbrella of the old government-controlled FSPSI and KORPRI), it was "too early...for [the unions in Indonesia] to be a vehicle for effective support of ICEM union networking in multinational mining companies" [ICEM report op cit]. This was a disappointing - even quixotic - conclusion, given that the workforce had already demonstrated its resilience in the face of management intransigence (not to mention the Suharto regime) in 1997; and that ICEM had, early the previous year, precisely set up an international network for workers, communities, and NGOs affected by Rio Tinto [see Tainted Titan, ICEM, op cit]. It is to be hoped that, following this June's elections ICEM may organise another visit to the coal sector in Indonesia, offering more direct assistance where requested.