Beyond working hours, the complaint also highlighted wage issues. Workers said their salaries remain below the minimum wage and that overtime pay is still unpaid. Although bipartite negotiations were held through the local labor office, PT Huadi Nickel Alloy reportedly still owes back payments.

“The government, as the overseer, has the full responsibility to ensure these abuses stop and that all workers’ rights are fulfilled,” Hasbi added.

The workers and their legal team urged Komnas HAM to conduct an investigation, inspection, and monitoring of the alleged forced labor practices, as well as a direct site visit. They also requested the commission to submit an amicus curiae brief in case No. 30/PDT.SUS-PHI/2025/PN.MKS, where the company has sued workers in an attempt to legitimize its work system and avoid paying overdue overtime wages.

Additionally, the union called on Komnas HAM to issue a recommendation to the Bantaeng Regent and Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to take concrete steps to protect workers’ rights, including abolishing the 12-hour work system without rest and ensuring payment of all outstanding wages.

Meanwhile, attempts by Rakyat News to obtain comments from the Bantaeng Regency administration were unsuccessful. The South Sulawesi provincial government, including Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, also declined to respond despite repeated inquiries through his daily staff, Mudrikan. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

 

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