The chief organizer, Dahlan Ismail, said here on Monday the demonstration next Thursday would be held to protest against the trade minister`s plan to ban exports of rattan in the form raw materials and half-finished.
He said he had received a police permit for it but only 500 out of proposed 1,000 demonstrators would be allowed to participate.
He said the demonstrators would march from Kota Besi sub-district to the regional legislative assembly building in Kotawarining and the office of the district head.
He said preparations were now still being made including preparing placards and banners reading among others "Replace the newly installed trade minister as he never inspects in the field. Do not sacrifice farmers, collectors of Kotawarining Timur by banning exports."
He said if the government proceeded with its plan it must be responsible and ready to buy farmers` rattan production.
He sid the demonstrators would also call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to replace the trade minister as well as the industry ministry who do not side with the farmers.
Dahlan said following reports that rattan exports would be banned farmers` harvest was left unsold.
Rattan collectors would not buy farmers` product due to the planned ban, he said.
"We ask the trade minister to cancel the decision to ban exports of raw and half-processed rattan because it will hurt farmers, workers and collectors" he said.
A total of 5,000 tons of rattan is now piled up at the warehouse due to the planned decision, he said.
(Uu.H-YH/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
