Djarum Responds to KPAI's Accusations on Child Exploitation
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29 July 2019 21:32 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Siti Hikmawatty, demanded Djarum Foundation stop the audition of badminton scholarship, which it deemed as exploiting children.
“The audition held by Djarum Foundation on Sunday, July 28, at GOR KONI Bandung is part of covert child exploitation by the tobacco industry,” said Siti in a written statement, Monday, July 29.
Djarum Foundation established again a public badminton talent scouting program this year in five cities, namely Bandung, Purwokerto, Surabaya, Greater Solo, and Kudus. There are two groups in the selection process: children aged under 11 years (U-11) and children aged under 13 (U-13).
Siti explained her commission had summoned the tobacco giant and elaborated child exploitation issue happening in the event. The KPAI then thought the event would be halted. “But it turns out, this prediction is wrong,” she added.
KPAI lamented the event's exploiting minors. “So KPAI urges Djarum Foundation to stop all of the events that will still be held in several other cities.”
Djarum Foundation program director Yoppy Rosimin rebuffed KPAI’s accusations. He said the badminton audition was not intent on promoting cigarettes to children. “This is a badminton talent scouting program via Djarum Foundation and Djarum Badminton Club,” Yoppy told Tempo, Monday, July 29.
According to Yoppy, KPAI had a misperception. During the previous session, he claimed to have explained to KPAI that there was no cigarette promotion in the event. “We are ready to share the same perception with KPAI,” he said.
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