MP Demands Comprehensive Safety Review of Morosi Nickel Industrial Zone After Spate of Workplace Accidents
Jakarta, MI - Member of House of Representatives Commission XII, Yulian Gunhar, has urged the government and all relevant parties to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of workplace safety systems in the Morosi industrial zone, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
The call comes after a series of workplace accidents once again marred the reputation of the strategic industrial zone. Gunhar described it as deeply ironic that in the past week alone, three workers had fallen victim to tragic incidents at two major companies — PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (VDNI) and PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) — both of which form part of the National Strategic Project (PSN).
Two workers were victims at PT VDNI: Ilham sustained serious injuries, whilst Muh. Reski died as a result of a workplace accident. Meanwhile, at PT OSS, a worker named Usman suffered serious injuries resulting in permanent disability.
"The proliferation of workplace accidents in the Morosi nickel industrial zone must be treated with the utmost seriousness. This is not merely an isolated misfortune, but a reflection of systemic problems deeply rooted in corporate management," said Gunhar on Thursday (15/5/2025).
Gunhar, who is also a PDI Perjuangan politician, assessed that the recurring trend of workplace accidents strongly indicates weak implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) standards. He stressed the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into working conditions and corporate governance, which he deemed negligent towards worker safety.
"It is high time the government, including the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, carried out a comprehensive audit of nickel smelters, particularly those designated as National Strategic Projects. Economic development must not come at the cost of workers' lives," Gunhar asserted.
PT VDNI is one of Indonesia's largest nickel smelter companies, employing thousands of local and foreign workers. The company has been repeatedly scrutinised by the public over labour issues and K3 standards.
Data from the Sembada Bersama Indonesia institute recorded 104 workplace accidents at nickel smelters in Indonesia between 2019 and 2025. Meanwhile, according to a report by Rasamala Hijau Indonesia, a non-governmental organisation in the forestry and mining sector, 32 people died in smelter and mining incidents throughout 2024 alone.
The call comes after a series of workplace accidents once again marred the reputation of the strategic industrial zone. Gunhar described it as deeply ironic that in the past week alone, three workers had fallen victim to tragic incidents at two major companies — PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (VDNI) and PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) — both of which form part of the National Strategic Project (PSN).
Two workers were victims at PT VDNI: Ilham sustained serious injuries, whilst Muh. Reski died as a result of a workplace accident. Meanwhile, at PT OSS, a worker named Usman suffered serious injuries resulting in permanent disability.
"The proliferation of workplace accidents in the Morosi nickel industrial zone must be treated with the utmost seriousness. This is not merely an isolated misfortune, but a reflection of systemic problems deeply rooted in corporate management," said Gunhar on Thursday (15/5/2025).
Gunhar, who is also a PDI Perjuangan politician, assessed that the recurring trend of workplace accidents strongly indicates weak implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) standards. He stressed the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into working conditions and corporate governance, which he deemed negligent towards worker safety.
"It is high time the government, including the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, carried out a comprehensive audit of nickel smelters, particularly those designated as National Strategic Projects. Economic development must not come at the cost of workers' lives," Gunhar asserted.
PT VDNI is one of Indonesia's largest nickel smelter companies, employing thousands of local and foreign workers. The company has been repeatedly scrutinised by the public over labour issues and K3 standards.
Data from the Sembada Bersama Indonesia institute recorded 104 workplace accidents at nickel smelters in Indonesia between 2019 and 2025. Meanwhile, according to a report by Rasamala Hijau Indonesia, a non-governmental organisation in the forestry and mining sector, 32 people died in smelter and mining incidents throughout 2024 alone.