A leading Indonesian trade unionist, Muchtar Pakpahan -- recently released from prison in Jakarta -- has urged President B.J.Habibie to speed up the timetable for political reforms.

Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Mr Pakpahan said it was too long to wait for proposed general elections next year.

He said he agreed that street protests should be renewed if President Habibie did not speed up political, social and economic reforms, and release all political prisoners.