There Are Allegations Of Detaining Employee Certificates, Wamenaker Sidak To Lion Group To Sour Sally

Wamenaker Immanuel Ebenezer (Photo: Antara)

Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) of three companies operating in Tangerang, West Jakarta, and South Jakarta on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The three companies are Lion Group in Tangerang, PT Arta Boga in West Jakarta, and Sour Sally in South Jakarta.

The inspection was carried out as a follow-up to public complaints regarding the alleged detention of personal documents belonging to former workers, especially diplomas. This activity is part of the Ministry of Manpower's commitment to upholding labor norms and ensuring protection of the basic rights of workers.

"We are investigating because of complaints from the public regarding the detention of diplomas by the company," said Wamenaker, quoted on Wednesday, June 11.

Noel emphasized that this inspection was also carried out as a form of implementation of the mandate of the Law and President Prabowo Subianto's direction to strengthen protection for workers. Therefore, its presence at the company's location is a manifestation of the state's presence in protecting its citizens.

"My presence is in the capacity as a country, not to suppress, let alone extort, but to protect citizens. We want business actors to focus on running their business well, while the state is here to ensure workers' rights remain respected," he stressed.

Furthermore, Wamenaker emphasized that the detention of diplomas by companies, especially against former workers, is an act that violates the law and can be subject to criminal sanctions. Especially if it is accompanied by a request for reward or ransom for taking it.

He reminded that the Ministry of Manpower has issued a Circular Letter of the Minister of Manpower Number M / 5 / HK.04.00 / V / 2025 concerning the Prohibition of Detention of Diplomas and / or Personal Documents Owned by Workers / Laborers. This SE must be used as a guideline by all companies so as not to practice that harms workers.

The inspections at the three companies ended with the direct submission of a number of diplomas by the management to the former workers who were present at the activity.

Wamenaker appreciated the cooperative steps of companies that were willing to comply with the provisions and return workers' documents. He considered this action as a form of support for government policies in creating a conducive employment climate.

"Thank you to the companies that have cooperated with the state's decision," he said.