“Just Work On It!”: Risks of Workplace Accidents Looms Over Morowali Workers

Joint Press Release

Social Dialogue Seminar on the Nickel Industry: “Towards Zero Accidents in Central Sulawesi”
Organized by labor organizations and NGOs at Swiss-Belhotel, Palu

Palu, February 26, 2025 – “Pakai-pakai dulu (transliterated as “Just use it first/Just work on it!),” a phrase frequently uttered by workplace supervisors in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Central Sulawesi, may come off as benign ushering, if not a bit pushy. However, in the context of workplace safety, it reflects the macabre reality of how workers have to put their lives through uncertain risk of injury and fatality on work sites each day. Numerous labor organizations and NGOs have come together to state that the lives of IMIP workers ought to be seen as more than assets or investments that can be weighed against costs and benefits, only to maintain company productivity and minimize operational expenses.

The Federation of Mining and Energy of the Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers’ Unions (FPE KSBSI) conducted a survey on workplace safety in the IMIP area from May to July 2024. The survey aimed to identify the root causes of the high rate of workplace accidents throughout the history of IMIP’s operations. The findings provide critical feedback on the poor working conditions in IMIP, with the hope that future improvements can prevent further tragedies.

According to Sembada Bersama Indonesia, from 2019 to 2025, there have been 104 workplace accidents across all nickel smelters in Indonesia, resulting in 107 deaths and 155 injuries. The most recent incident occurred in February 2024 in the ferronickel department of PT Ocean Sky Metal Industry, where a worker lost their life. Meanwhile, data from Rasamala Hijau Indonesia recorded 38 smelter and mining accidents in 2024 alone, involving 120 victims, 32 of whom died.

Key Findings on the Causes of High Workplace Accidents in IMIP

FPE KSBSI President, Riswan Lubis, highlighted four primary causes of the high accident rate in IMIP:

1. Human error, including worker negligence.
2. Environmental factors, such as exposure to raw materials, terrain hazards, and other environmental hazards.
3. Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to workers.
4. Equipment malfunctions, workers are forced to use equipment that is not in prime condition under the phrase of “pakai-pakai saja dulu” which poses severe risks.

These findings suggest major shortcomings in the implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) systems at IMIP. Weak enforcement of safety protocols is worsened by negligence from supervisors. Additionally, poor relations between foreign and local workers have further deteriorated workplace safety culture.

The study also identified long working hours as a significant contributor to workplace fatigue, which increases accident risks. On average, workers in IMIP clock 56 hours per week (225 hours per month), significantly exceeding standard labor regulations. The Indonesian government must take this issue seriously, as prolonged work hours weaken workers’ physical conditions and heighten exposure to occupational diseases.

Gender-Specific Challenges for Female Workers

The study further revealed that female workers face unique gender-related challenges due to the male-dominated workforce in IMIP. Poor sanitation and hygiene facilities within the industrial park create additional concerns beyond workplace relations. Female workers also endure excessive work hours, averaging 52 hours per week, which, when combined with their domestic responsibilities, results in extreme exhaustion.

Workers Are the Victims, Yet They Bear the Blame

Catur Widi from Rasamala Hijau Indonesia emphasized that workers are the victims of workplace accidents, yet they are often held accountable instead of being protected. “In every effort to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) systems, the focus must be put on protecting workers first. Unfortunately, workers often end up being the most vulnerable parties when advocating for their safety—whether in the aftermath of an accident or in demanding job security. Even healthy, able-bodied workers can be arbitrarily laid off, let alone workers who have suffered from workplace injuries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alfian from Sembada Bersama Indonesia added that the survey findings reinforce the notion that IMIP, and other nickel smelters across Indonesia, do in fact prioritize production over workers’ lives. “The government boasts about nickel downstreaming policies, but in reality, they are built upon excessive work hours, repeated fatal accidents, low wages, and, worst of all, serious occupational diseases such as lung cancer, black lung disease, and mesothelioma.”

Environmental Pollution and Health Risks

In 2024, TuK INDONESIA conducted research on the environmental impact of IMIP on workers and surrounding communities. Abdul Haris, Head of the Advocacy and Public Education Department at TuK INDONESIA, stated that air, water, and land pollution levels around IMIP have exceeded safety thresholds. In particular, air pollution poses severe health risks, as evidenced by a 2023 report from Bahodopi Community Health Center, which recorded 55,527 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI), a fourfold increase from the previous year.

Abdul warned that the long-term effects of pollution will be devastating. “In 10 years, both workers and surrounding communities will face severe health complications, with an increased risk of cancer due to the carcinogenic nature of these pollutants,” he stated.

This study, along with findings from labor organizations and NGOs, underscores the urgent need for improved workplace safety standards, strict environmental regulations, and better protection for workers in the nickel industry.

Contact Information:

• FPE KSBSI: Irfan – +62 856-4350-5899
• Documentation Link: Google Drive

This post is also available in: Indonesian