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)