Clashes In Morut, Central Sulawesi, Observer: Don't Let The Fire In The Chaff Rekindle

Chairman of the Indonesian Law Enforcement Consortium (KOPHI) Rudy Marjono/Photo: SPC

JAKARTA - The riot that occurred in PT. GNI, North Morowali (Morut) Southeast Sulawesi (Central Sulawesi) reportedly caused two fatalities (died), a TKI and a TKA as well as substantial material losses. There were also reports of looting at the female migrant workers' dormitories and burning of company assets. About 70 people have been detained by the police to be investigated thoroughly this anarchist action.

The issue sparked riots because of the mistreatment of foreign workers against citizen workers (WNI) and violence against women workers.

Chairman of the Indonesian Law Enforcement Consortium (KOPHI) Rudy Marjono assessed that the bloody incident at PT. GNI Morowali Utara may have started with unhealthy employment problems and tended not to be capitalized properly.

"Yes... maybe all this time the government has not accommodated and anticipated it with serious attention. Thus causing an emotional explosion among workers against the company.” said Rudy Marjono when talking to journalists, Wednesday morning, January 18.

Rudy's view is that labor problems that often occur in foreign companies, one of which is the lack of equality of treatment which has the potential to cause social jealousy.

Thus, continued Rudy, there could be conflict of interest between local workers and foreign workers who are almost no less in number at the level of work that do not have special skills (unskilled labours).

"As stipulated in the laws and regulations, when recruiting foreign workers there should be restrictions on the level of experts and special skills. For workers who are not skilled enough local workers, in order to create new jobs. It is hoped that in the future it will be able to transform technology transfer and empower HR (human resources) in carrying out a sustainable company production process with local workers" Show Rudy.

Rudy believes that a problem that is never solved, has no solution, or maybe never gets attention, is like a fire in a husk that one day can grow bigger.

“The problem that was triggered initially could be something that is considered trivial. Even though it actually has the potential to explode if left alone without being given a solution for it. Is it true or not whether the company does not fulfill workers' rights, for example, the absence of PPE for certain jobs, causing workers to worry about their mental safety. Or regulations that limit workers in matters of worship (for example) and health services as well as other differences in treatment. Or there is unfair treatment experienced by local workers with foreign workers.

Rudy appreciated the government for taking a stand by carrying out investigative and evaluation actions. However, continued Rudy, the government must be fair and transparent in conducting investigations. So that it does not happen again either in the company concerned or other foreign companies.

“The government must have the courage to be firm with foreign companies that violate the provisions of labor regulations with sanctions that are not trivial. So that this serves as an example for investors of other foreign companies if they want to run their business in this country. Don't let the presence of foreign company investors get too "spoiled" and give the impression of being overprotective. So that it erodes the government's sensitivity to labor issues which should be prioritized" he hoped.

Rudy reiterated that if regulations on the investment climate that go hand in hand with employment issues are not anticipated with the right policies by the government, and there is a tendency to defend the interests of investors, being less sensitive to the rights that should be given to workers, it is like not putting out the fire in the husks, which will one day turn back on.

As previously reported, the Head of Human Resources and General Affairs of PT GNI Muknis Basri Assegaf denied the rumors circulating. He said the attack on the employees occurred during the factory's operating hours so activities stopped and caused severe damage.

He said that the looting took place at 100 dormitories for Indonesian citizens and foreigners. As well as around six heavy equipment and operational vehicles belonging to the company caught fire.

"They also attacked foreign workers to stop working. And after the rioting started, they then burned and looted the mess of local women workers, looted the mess of the TNI, and then set it on fire," said Muknis in an official statement, Monday, January 16, as reported by Antara.