interviews
A major issue of Modern Slavery is the lack of recognition of such an issue in the first place. By interviewing major companies in Indonesia, via CEOs and public relations departments, we get to understand what each company is doing to combat this issue. Furthermore, we bring attention to this issue and advocate for companies to do more for their community in this aspect.
We will also anonymously interview those involved in this issue, such as those under debt bondages and those involved with begging syndicates, to show audiences why the issue is still prevalent. By displaying all perspectives of this issue, we allow for mutual understanding and push for all sides to do their part in combating this issue.
Video 3 - 17th July, 2025
Interview with Matthew, a University student, age 21, in Bahasa and English
Video 2 - 17th July, 2025
Interview with Feliz, a University student, age 19, in English
[name redacted] - CEO in the Clothing Industry, 17th July, 2025:
As a company, we have strict policies against forced labor and child labor in our supply chain. We conduct regular audits and work with ethical suppliers. However, the reality is complex, as many subcontractors operate informally, making oversight difficult. Moreover, being that many competitors will often stoop lower and cut costs by working with suppliers operating in grey areas, companies such as my own will often get forced out of the market by more competitive pricing. I think the only way to change the industry is radical governmental policies and enforcement, to end this systematic issue at once.
Written interview 7 - 17th July, 2025:
[name redacted] - Head of Public Relations at a Construction Firm, 24th June, 2023:
"Our company has a zero-tolerance policy towards unfair working conditions. We adhere to all labor laws and provide fair wages, but nevertheless, the construction sector is high-risk for exploitation due to subcontracting layers. Additionally, we run many systems both internally and externally to ensure such issues are not occurring. For example, we operate a system where workers or other individuals are able to report abuse anonymously.
Written interview 6 - 24th June, 2023:
[name redacted] - Street Performer (Busker), Operating under Begging Syndicate, 24th June, 2023:
Mau tahu pekerjaanku? Setiap pagi pukul 5, para pengurus menjemputku dari permukiman kumuh. Aku memakai kostum, membawa gitar, dan pergi ke pusat kota, di mana aku harus memenuhi kuota harian. Aku terpaksa bekerja karena utangku banyak, jutaan. Mereka mengambil semua penghasilanku, dan sebagiannya akan digunakan untuk melunasi utang dan bungaku. Uang yang mereka berikan hampir tidak cukup untuk makan dan sewa. Jika aku tidak memenuhi kuota harian, mereka mengancam akan menurunkan jatahku atau memindahkanku ke lokasi yang lebih jauh dan kurang layak. Aku sudah lama menandatangani kontrak pinjaman dengan para pengurus, jadi sekarang aku secara hukum wajib bekerja untuk mereka sampai aku melunasi pinjamanku.
Translation:
Want to know what I do? Every morning at 5:00 a.m., the caretakers pick me up from the slums. I dress up, carry a guitar, and head to central Jakarta, where I have to meet my daily quota. I'm forced to work because I am millions [60+ USD] in debt. They take all my earnings, and a portion goes to pay off my debt and interest. The money they give me is barely enough for food and rent. If I don't meet my daily quota, they threaten to lower my allowance or move me to a more remote and undesirable location. I signed a loan contract with the caretakers long ago, so now I'm legally obligated to work for them until I pay off my loan.
Written interview 5 - 24th June, 2023:
Video 1 - 23rd June, 2023
Interview with [name redacted], a private driver, in Bahasa
Jonathan Bima Wijaya - Pancasila University student, 7th July, 2022:
Yes, modern slavery is a major problem in Indonesia. I've heard about cases where workers are underpaid or treated badly, especially in factories or fishing industries. Some of my friends at university have done research on this, and it seems like a lot of it happens because of weak enforcement of labor laws. I think governments should enact more policies and make sure companies follow the rules better. There are also NGOs trying to help, but it's a big issue. As a student, I don't have all the answers, but people should at least be aware that these problems exist. Maybe if there were better job opportunities and education, fewer people would end up in bad working conditions. But right now, it's still a common issue.
Written Interview 3 - 7th July, 2022:
Mr. Ari - Food Stall Vendor, 7th July, 2022:
Saya mengelola toko camilan saya di sebelah SMA di Jakarta Pusat. Pelanggan utama saya adalah siswa-siswi muda dari sekolah setempat ini, dan saya selalu berpesan agar mereka tetap bersekolah demi masa depan yang cerah. Meskipun kerja paksa memang ada di Jakarta, seringkali sistemnyalah yang memaksa anak di bawah umur untuk bekerja, atau orang dewasa bekerja dengan upah di bawah minimum. Seperti selama Covid, banyak orang tua siswa kehilangan pekerjaan, sehingga beberapa putus sekolah untuk mengemis atau mencari pekerjaan serabutan yang tersedia. Saya pikir masalah seperti ini akan selalu ada, tetapi saya hanya berharap ekonomi membaik agar anak-anak dapat tetap bersekolah dan mungkin memiliki lebih banyak kesempatan untuk mempelajari sesuatu yang dapat mereka manfaatkan.
Translation:
I run my snack shop next to a high school in Central Jakarta. My main customers are young students from this local school, and I always encourage them to stay in school for a bright future. While forced labor does exist in Jakarta, it's often the system that forces minors into work, or adults to work for less than minimum wage. For example, during COVID-19, many students' parents lost their jobs, leading some to drop out of school to beg or find whatever odd jobs are available. I think these kinds of problems will always exist, but I just hope the economy improves so children can stay in school and perhaps have more opportunities to learn something they can benefit from.
Written Interview 2 - 7th July, 2022:
[name redacted] - manusia silver [Silver Man Beggar], 7th July, 2022:
Saya sudah menganggur selama bertahun-tahun, jadi saya terpaksa melakukan pekerjaan seperti mengemis untuk memenuhi kebutuhan keluarga. Saya selalu ingin mendapatkan pekerjaan yang layak, seperti bekerja di pabrik, tetapi saya tidak punya keterampilan dan saya akan kelaparan jika tidak terus bekerja seperti ini. Biasanya saya mendapatkan sekitar 150.000 rupiah (9,16 USD) per hari kerja, tetapi itu sangat melelahkan. Saya berjalan seharian dengan tubuh berlumuran cat perak, melewati mobil-mobil untuk mencari uang receh. Dulu catnya terasa sakit, tetapi sekarang saya tidak merasakannya lagi. Penyesalan saya adalah tidak menyelesaikan sekolah, karena mungkin saya bisa menimba ilmu dan bekerja di pekerjaan yang layak serta menghidupi keluarga saya.
Translation:
I've been unemployed for years, so I've been forced to do things like begging to support my family. I've always wanted to get a decent job, like working in a factory, but I have no skills and I'll starve if I don't continue working like this. I usually earn about 150,000 rupiah (9.16 USD) per workday, but it's incredibly tiring. I walk around all day covered in silver paint, passing cars looking for change. The paint used to hurt, but now I don't feel it anymore. My only regret is not finishing school, because I could have studied and worked in a decent job and supported my family.
