Mauling at Makro store

Mauling at Makro store

On July 13, 1995 I shopped at the Makro store in Kelapa
Gading, North Jakarta. I had finished my shopping but had not yet
paid for my goods. I left my four-month old baby girl in my car
with our housekeeper and driver. I left the store briefly to see
if she was all right and met my driver at the entrance as my
daughter was crying and quite upset.

Although I knew the store's rules prohibited children for
safety reasons, as I only needed to return to the store for a few
moments to pay for my purchases I tried to re-enter the store
carrying my baby girl. Upon trying to re-enter, I was stopped by
one of the Makro's staff at the entrance and was told I could not
enter. I tried to explain that I would only be in the store for a
few moments, at the cashier and not near any aisles where there
could be a safety concern, and would carry my daughter in my
arms.

I then started walking towards the cashier as my intended
purchases were in a shopping cart at the cashier. The Security
staff of the store were called and a security guard came up to me
and pushed me very hard several times on my shoulder and told me
to leave. This was done with my baby girl in my arms and myself
being two months pregnant.

I was very upset with this physical attack and I kicked the
security guard in the leg. He then raised his fist and was going
to punch me in the face but was restrained by two other staff
members. Even with two men holding him he was still trying to
break free and come after me. At this point I met my friend
coming out of the store and was able to give her my baby. I was
only then able to enter the store and pay for my goods.

I understand my bringing my baby daughter into the store was
strictly speaking against the store rules but feel being
physically attacked by the security guards was completely
inappropriate given the situation. I contacted Customer Service
by telephone to complain about this incident but their response
was that I was completely in the wrong and had no basis for
complaint. I would strongly suggest the management and owners of
the Makro store review their security procedures as this type of
treatment of customers could have resulted in injury to myself or
my daughter.

MRS. S.N. KARMILA HORNADAY

Jakarta