DHAKA: Workers across Indonesia have begun a two-day strike demanding higher salaries, the latest industrial action to hit the South East Asian economy.

The workers say their cost of living has gone up amid rising inflation and a hike in fuel prices, reports the BBC.

According to unions’ estimates, almost three million workers will take part in the industrial action.

However, the actual numbers have come in lower than their forecasts in previous nationwide strikes.

‘All factories in Java’s industrial hubs have stopped,’ Said Iqbal, chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union, was quoted as saying by media.

‘Many workers who could not afford their rents have had to move out of their homes and live under bridges and in sewers. They are eating instant noodles instead of rice,’ he added.

Fuel prices in Indonesia have jumped after the government cut a huge fuel subsidy earlier this year.

The move was implemented after months of political haggling and continues to remain unpopular.

Higher fuel prices have also led to a rise in consumer prices, which have grown at an annual rate of more than 8% in each of the past three months.

BDST: 1309 HRS, OCT 31, 2013
RoR/RK