JAKARTA, Indonesia – Tens of thousands of workers nationwide went on strike Thursday (October 31st), demanding a greater share of Indonesia's stellar economic growth, AFP reported.

Unions are calling for hefty pay rises as the cost of living skyrockets due to surging inflation, which has been driven in recent months by an unpopular fuel price hike.

Factories producing everything from clothes to electronics, often for international companies, stopped operations as workers downed tools on day one of a two-day strike.

Union leaders said two million took part in the action. However, police said around 60,000 walked out in Jakarta and surrounding districts and there were also small strikes and demonstrations in other parts of the country.

"I am not asking to live in a castle or sleep on a bed of gold, just for what we deserve from working so hard to contribute to the economy," said Achmad, a welder.

Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union Chairman Said Iqbal said ordinary people were deeply concerned over the rising cost of living.

"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."