Painter dies after falling from 4th floor

JAKARTA (JP): A construction worker died yesterday after falling from the fourth floor of a shop-house project in Pasar Pagi Lama, West Jakarta, about 3 p.m. Thursday.

The teenager's death raises the toll of workers killed at their workplace to 104 this year.

The victim, identified as Siswanto bin Kasidi, 17, was employed by private developer PT Manggala to paint walls, Senen, one of the man's friends, said.

"Instead of climbing on scaffolding, Siswanto clambered onto the adjoining building's roof, which was made of asbestos," he said.

Siswanto covered the asbestos with plywood, according to his friend.

"But, as the asbestos was breakable, he fell straight through it when he stepped on the plywood."

Senen, who was working on the same floor as his friend, said the only reason he survived was because he used the scaffolding.

"I immediately ran down to check on him and found him in a very critical condition."

Senen said he carried Siswanto to a cab and rushed him to Pluit Hospital in North Jakarta.

"I noticed blood on his head but could not see any other injuries."

Siswadi died in hospital the following day from internal injuries.

The eldest of four children, Siswanto moved from his hometown of Wonogiri, in Central Java, four days ago to join Senen and his friends.

"Siswanto's mother just gave birth to a baby two weeks ago. She would have been very shocked to hear about this incident," Senen said.

A spokesman from PT Manggala, Joni, said his company was responsible for all the administrative expenses and the cost of removing the victim's body from the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's morgue.

"Even though Siswadi was new, he was our employee so it is our responsibility," he said. "We only wish that we could do more for his parents," he said. (04)