Dita Sari, Coen Hussein Ponto and student activist Sholeh were detained by the East Java military on July 8 during a workers' rally in Surabaya. They were held incommunicado for almost two weeks, but are able to be visited by legal representatives from the Surabaya Legal Aid Foundation. The military authorities have reaffirmed that they intend to bring Dita Sari and her colleagues to trial but have not announced yet any timetable for this.
Solidarity actions are planned in several Indonesian cities over the next few weeks. Solidarity actions have already taken place in London and Amsterdam. Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) in Perth held a picket outside the Indonesian consulate in that city.
The Perth branch of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has sent a protest to the Indonesian government. Dita Sari's arrest will also be discussed at a committee meeting of the Indian Ocean Trade Union Congress network being held in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 2-5.
ASIET is planning further Dita Sari solidarity activities in Australia and needs your support (see advertisement, page 4).