‘Slavery’ practice in Tangerang revealed

‘Slavery’ practice in Tangerang revealed
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Jakarta | Sat, May 04 2013, 2:33 PM



The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras),in cooperation with the police , revealed an alleged “slavery”practice at a kitchen utensils factory in Sepatan Timur, Tangerang, arresting the owner, identified as JK and five cohorts.

The arrests were made after receiving reports from two runaway workers, Andi and Junaedi. According to the reports, the workers were forced to work from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m. everyday with only two meals a day and received no pay, Kompas.com reported on Friday.

The reports also said that the workers were not allowed to go outside, and if they did, the supervisors would chase them and accuse them of stealing or using drugs.

The police found 30 workers, mostly hailing from Lampung,Bandung and Cianjur, in a 40 square-meter room with only one bathroom and no windows.

“[The workers] slept in a small space. They were beaten when they were sick. Their wallets and cell phones were taken away when they arrived at the factory,” said Syamsul Munir, a Kontras activist.

Syamsul said that Andi and Junaedi had managed to escape and then reported the situation to Kontras, which then coordinated with the police. (nai/dic)