Bank Danamon's decision

It was on Aug. 11, 2003, that 24 people were selected to continue in an employee selection process at Bank Danamon, Prapatan branch, Jakarta. The job we were competing for was not that prestigious.

We were asked to join the team in the Collection Section. Due to a strong desire on the part of each of us candidates to succeed in the selection process, we were prepared to be tolerant of any indignities we might be made to suffer as part of the process.

On Aug. 14, 2003, Bank Danamon told us verbally that we had been selected. After a while, we heard other news from the bank that one of our "classmates," Teddy, reported that he had lost his cell phone. Immediately, a bank employee was assigned to search for the item in every handbag, purse, pocket and every corner of the room. Nothing was found.

Surprisingly, Collection Section head Agus Purnomo decided to cancel the entire recruitment process and terminated the employment of all 24 participants, saying that he did not want a thief to be part of his team. All of us had therefore been suspected of theft, without evidence, and with no opportunity to defend ourselves.

It seems that Agus knew well that he was dealing with ordinary citizens whom he did not fear, because the law that protects ordinary citizens in this country is toothless. It seems he enjoyed acting like a god who could play with the fate of other people exactly as he wished. In fact, among 24 candidates were participants from Bandung and even Riau.

On the other hand, Teddy made a "wise" step that led to this harebrained decision, despite the relatively low value of his cell phone, which was only about Rp 600,000 to Rp 800,000.

BERNARD GANDATUA SIRAIT Jakarta