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