MAKASSAR, RAKYAT NEWS – A group of workers employed at the Bantaeng Industrial Zone (KIBA) has formally reported the PT Huadi Nickel Alloy to Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), alleging practices amounting to modern-day forced labor. The complaint was filed on August 16, 2025.

PT Huadi Nickel Alloy Indonesia (PT HNAI) is, a Chinese-owned nickel smelting company operating in the Bantaeng Industrial Zone (KIBA), South Sulawesi,

“It is a tragic irony that during the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, workers at KIBA are still experiencing forced labor practices that completely disregard human rights,” said Hasbi Asiddiq, part of the LBH legal team.

Hasbi stressed that the company’s practices fall under the definition of forced labor as outlined in International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 29, which defines it as any work or service exacted under threat of penalty and without voluntary consent.

According to testimonies, KIBA workers are required to work 12.5-hour shifts, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., five days a week, without proper rest breaks. Yet, their payslips only record 160 regular working hours and 80 overtime hours for 20 shifts per month—effectively concealing the excessive work hours.

“This 12-hour, no-rest system is inhumane and must be immediately abolished by the company,” Hasbi emphasized.

LBH Makassar argued that indicators of forced labor under ILO standards include both the lack of voluntary consent and the presence of coercion or threats. Workers reported that they were never given the option to refuse overtime; those who attempted to decline were issued warning letters or sanctioned by the company.

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