Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia denied allegations of forced labor in Indonesia’s nickel industry, responding to accusations made by the United States.

“There’s no forced labor in the industry. As a former investment minister, I can assure you that such practices don’t exist,” he said while attending the 2024 Oil and Gas Safety Awards in Jakarta on Monday evening (7/10/2024).

The U.S. Department of Labor recently accused Indonesia of using forced labor in its nickel sector, claiming that Chinese workers recruited for the industry receive lower wages and face long working hours and verbal abuse.

Minister Bahlil dismissed these accusations as baseless, urging journalists to prioritize objective reporting and avoid spreading negative perceptions that could harm Indonesia’s reputation.

“Indonesian media should report facts, not negative assumptions,” he emphasized, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He called on journalists to uphold national pride and support Indonesia’s achievements, particularly in the nickel downstream sector, which has significantly contributed to the country’s economy.

“There’s no forced labor. Love your country, maintain a sense of nationalism,” Minister Bahlil reiterated.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)