Fooled By Working Agents Through Facebook, 2 Surabaya Residents Abandoned In Sampit

SAMPIT - The Social Service of East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, facilitated the return of two residents from Surabaya, East Java, who were abandoned after failing to work at an oil palm plantation company.

Head of the Kotim Social Service, Hawianan, said the two residents were Needers of Social Welfare Services (PPKS) who initially came to Kotim to look for work.

"The East Kotawaringin Regency Government through the Social Service cooperates with relevant agencies to help the return of the two residents," said Hawianan in Sampit, Antara, Monday, May 26.

The two PPKS admitted that they came to Sampit from Surabaya after receiving a job offer from a labor agent they knew via Facebook social media.

Arriving in Sampit, they continued their journey to Antang Kalang District and had attended job training at one of the oil palm plantation companies.

However, not even one week of work, both of them were dismissed due to discrepancies with the initial agreement. They ran out of supplies and were eventually abandoned in Sampit City.

"After being dismissed, they do not have money to live or return to their hometowns," said Hawianan.

The two workers had made reports and a letter dealing with the East Kotawaringin Police, before finally visiting the Harati Shelter belonging to the East Kotim Social Service on Jalan S. Parman, Thursday (22/5).

At the stop house, they were temporarily accommodated and assessed by social workers. After being declared worthy of assistance, both of them were facilitated to return to Surabaya by ship.

"The Social Service conducted an assessment of the PPKS to ensure they did need help and could be sent back to their area of origin," said Hawianan.

This step is a form of local government concern for residents who experience social emergency conditions, as well as a reminder for the public to be more alert to job offers that have no clear source.