TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Manpower Ministry condemned the practice of ‘staycation’ as a requirement for workers to have their work contracts extended at companies in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java.

“The Manpower Ministry strongly criticized this kind of practice and cannot tolerate it,” Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor said in a written statement, Friday, May 5, 2023.

The ministry, Afriansyah added, will cooperate with the regional manpower agencies and other related parties to trace the veracity of the information, including taking action against the company or individual who committed the illicit act.

“This is clearly part of a violent act of sexual harassment if it really happens,” Afriansyah said.

The issue of staycation is recently under the public spotlight as it is said to be a requirement for workers to have their job contracts extended.

Quoted from Cambridge Dictionary, staycation means a holiday at home or near your home rather than traveling to another place. People usually spend staycation at hotels or villas. Meanwhile, in this case, staycation means sleeping with the boss or employers.

Afriansyah underlined that legal action must be taken in this case. In addition, education on the prevention and handling of violence and sexual harassment in the workplace needs to be massively conducted.

“We will work with associations, trade/labor unions, as well as industrial area managers and the regional manpower agencies to keep disseminating [this education],” Afriansyah said.

The Deputy Manpower Minister further mentioned that Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Crimes of Sexual Violence could be the basis for taking action. “If it’s proven, we will impose harsh sanctions,” he underlined.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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