President Prabowo Intervenes After Alleged False Imprisonment and Torture of Printing Workers in Central Jakarta
The alleged case of false imprisonment, torture, and shackling of three workers at a printing company in Central Jakarta has prompted a strong reaction from the Presidential Palace. Special Adviser to the President for Employment and Workers’ Welfare, Said Iqbal, stated that the case has become a direct concern of President Prabowo Subianto.
Said Iqbal asserted that the state will be fully present to provide protection for the victims. This protection covers three main aspects: health, legal, and the fulfilment of employment rights.
“The President’s directive is very clear, which is to ensure there must be no violence against ordinary people. If there is a legal issue, resolve it through a just legal mechanism, not by taking the law into one’s own hands,” said Said Iqbal in an official statement on Thursday (2/6).
As a tangible form of the state’s presence, Said Iqbal confirmed that all medical expenses for the victims will be fully borne by the government. This includes physical care and mental health recovery.
“I am ensuring that all medical expenses related to this case are covered by the government. Including if the victims require psychiatric assistance due to the trauma they experienced. The state must be present to restore the victims’ condition,” he stressed.
Regarding the employment status of the victims, Said Iqbal, who also serves as President of the KSPI and the Labour Party, will immediately coordinate with the Minister of Employment. This step is taken to ensure the workers’ normative rights are fulfilled, regardless of the status of the company where they work.
Based on reports received, the victims were allegedly confined and shackled for nearly two weeks. There is even information that the victims were paraded in front of the public, an act Said Iqbal described as a “prehistoric era” practice.
“This is like the prehistoric era. Severe punishment must be given to anyone who treats humans like animals,” he said.
He has also communicated with the National Police Chief so that law enforcement officers give serious attention and ensure the legal process proceeds without intimidation against the victims or their legal counsel team.
The government is currently investigating the status of the printing company, whether it is a formal category or an MSME. However, Said Iqbal stressed that the company’s status will not reduce the state’s obligation to protect the rights of workers as citizens.