Benjina Affair Poses Threat to Export

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The slavery allegation against PT Pusaka Benjina Resources (PBR) on its crewmen poses a threat to Indonesian fishing industry as the nation can be subjected to violating International Law on slavery. “The world can ban our export," said Directorate General of Ocean Affair on the Ministry of Maritime Affair, Sudirman Saad.

The slavery allegation came into limelight as Associated Press wrote an article entitled “Was Your Seafood Caught by Slaves?”, published on March 25. It reported the inhumane treatment on crewmen of Benjina Ship, whom mostly are from Myanmar. PT Benjina itself claimed to own 82 ships with thousands of crewmen.

Chief of the Anti-Illegal Fishing task force, Achmad Santosa, said that Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has instructed several measures. "She has contacted law enforcers in the area," he said.

Achmad also said that Benjina has performed a number of illegal fishing practices, bearing expired permit and license. Moreover, the company employed trawl fishing, in which the ministry has recently banned. . Menteri Susi belum dapat dimintai komentar soal masalah ini.

Previously, the Associated Press reported slavery allegation on board of Pusaka Benjina. The report contained an interview of 40 crewmen, claiming that they were caged and forced to work 22 hours a day without salary.

URSULA FLORENE SONIA | ANDI RUSLI | ANTARA