Authorities blamed for doing nothing over work accidents
Authorities blamed for doing nothing over work accidents
JAKARTA (JP): The authorities should have acted sooner to
prevent more accidents at the Taman Anggrek building site, where
18 workers have died, Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said
yesterday.
Apong Herlina of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute agreed
yesterday, saying the authorities were yet to prioritize work
safety: "We are still mainly concerned about wages."
At least 18 workers have been killed at the Taman Anggrek
shopping center and apartment project in Slipi since construction
began last year.
Three of them were killed last week.
The project is being developed by PT Mulia Inti Pelangi. The
shopping center has been completed. About 3,000 workers are still
working on the apartment towers.
Surjadi said, "We should just wait for police findings, but
I'm shocked and concerned investigations did not start sooner."
West Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Andi Chaerrudin said
yesterday police would question the developer and contractors
next week.
"The case is being handled by police officers of the Tanjung
Duren Police subprecinct," Andi said.
Tanjung Duren Police chief Maj. Bambang Heru Wismoyo said
police had questioned several witnesses including foremen and
workers.
Apong, the head of the institute's labor division, said work-
related accidents should be reported to the local manpower office
within 48 hours.
This was the developer's and contractor's responsibility, she
said, according to the 1993 social security law.
Violators faced up to six months in prison or fines up to Rp
50 million (US$21,186), Apong said.
She said repeating offenders were liable to up to eight months
in prison.
Apong dismissed claims by the head of the Ministry of
Manpower's city office, Freddy Tuamelly, that his officials
failed to conduct adequate inspections because security guards
barred their visits.
"The office has the right to inspect the building's
construction at any time," she said.
"It is strange the officials did not do anything about the
accidents for such a long time."
Hadrian Tjahya, one of the developer's directors, said the
accidents were reported each time the management claimed social
security at the office.
Hadrian told Freddy on Wednesday that 18 fatal accidents had
occurred at the site since last November.
Management agreed to meet contractors and their foremen on
Dec. 9 to enforce safety gear usage. Management said workers
often refused to wear safety gear on the grounds that it was
restrictive. (02)