International People's Forum versus the IMF & World Bank

Some of the international organisations convening for the forum are Greenpeace and the African Forum on Debt and Development. Representing issues on migration are the Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) and from poverty-stricken developing nations in South Asia is the South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE).

The concerns raised in the morning seminars touches on the roles, policies and/or operations of the IMF and World Bank. The forum also takes on a lighter note to include cultural activities like film screenings and concerts to signify the arts as one way to protest as well.

The main site of the IPF is Batam, Indonesia which is a 40 minute ferry ride from Singapore. For one to attend this forum and need more details, the organisers do not have the ease of a website for you to do so. Instead, interested readers should drop an email to IPFregister@gmail.com to request for more information.

There is a registration for individuals to take part in the seminars and activities but the deadline is 30th August. However, you may still wish to try your luck. The venue of all IPF related events takes place at Asrama Hajji Centre, JL Engku Putri Batam Centre. A fax number you can reach to is 62-0778 466873.

As much as we would look forward to creating havoc and cause violence at the outdoor protests, it is equally cool to be informed of the concerns raised about practices of the IMF and World Bank. Singaporeans who have heard of the first ever indoor protest in Suntec City, may want to have a taste at an experience we're all alien too.