Indonesian consulate urged to push reporter's case

Demonstrators organised by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union rally outside the Indonesian consulate. Photo courtesy of the IMWU

Around 30 Indonesians held a protest outside their country's consulate in Causeway Bay on Friday, demanding officials make use of all diplomatic channels to ensure that those linked to the shooting of an Indonesian reporter are punished.



Veby Indah, who was covering the protests in the Wan Chai area on September 29, was allegedly shot by a police officer and has lost sight in one eye, according to her lawyer.



Sring, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union, said they are regularly visiting her and said Indah is now waiting for surgery.



She said they are ready to support her, but right now the journalists association is handling the matter along with her lawyers.



The protesters said the consulate must also take steps to protect Indonesian domestic workers in the city as some employers are taking advantage of the protests and denying them holidays, citing security fears at the weekend.



Sring also said officials should try to quash rumours that Indonesian workers are being paid to take part in the ongoing anti-government protests.



She said a consulate worker was one of those spreading the "fake news".



"This rumour is spreading not only just in Hong Kong but also outside," she said. "Many people from Indonesia are asking if it is true or not."



Sring told RTHK's Timmy Sung that the official who posted this claim in a social media message should be dismissed as it has tarnished the image of Indonesians in Hong Kong.



The demonstrators also demanded that the government in Jakarta listen to protesters in the country who are fighting against changes to an anti-corruption law and take action against those engaged in forest burning.