National
Commission for Human Rights in Indonesia

                                    Jakarta, 14 April 2009

No :	1.304/K/PMT/IV/2009	Attention to
Attached :	1 (one) file	The Director of Oxfam GB in Indonesia
Subject :	Request explanation related allegations of arbitrary action against Oxfam GB staff in Indonesia	Address . Jl. Terusan Margasatwa No. 26 Ragunan, Jakarta Selatan – 12550

National Commission
for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on 23 March 2009 has received a letter
of complaint submitted by Mr. Prima Riantony, and his colleagues, as
employees of Oxfam GB Indonesia.

At its core
complainants submit that Oxfam GB in Indonesia, particularly in the
area office Oxfam GB Kupang has occurred alleged arbitrary action,
discrimination, and unfair treatment in PHK problems, restrictions on
rights to association. The complainant submitted that the description
is as follows:

1. Mr. Prima
Riantony, complained about the action Oxfam GB Indonesia assessed not
just in the handling of the alleged cheating related payments over
time (overtime) employees of Oxfam GB Kupang is not a breach of
procedure. Mr. Prima Riantony rate that Oxfam GB has to follow up the
allegations of discrimination in complaints submitted by local staff
(Indonesia) and Expatriate (foreign).

Mr. Prima Riantony
also object to the action on the Country HR Manager, Esther
Napitupulu to block the e-mail. Since 4 February 2009 his email
account and access the entire network information system organization
has been frozen. This is related to the complainant to call
co-workers to form unions. With regard to this matter has been
considered that His Right has been muzzled occurred against the
rights of association and to be organized.

2. Mr. Agustin
Michel said that Oxfam GB has an action of discrimination in the
handling of staff. In August 2008, Michel Agustin denounce the
violation of code of ethics made by Joseph Curtin and completed
through informal efforts. However, the Joseph Curtin then back with
the internet abuse article. Michel Agustin then penalized the final
formal warning letter (last letter of warning).

3. Mrs. Adelia Miret
dismissed by Oxfam GB Kupang without a clear reason. Dismissal occurs
after the turn of Admin & Finance Manager. Adelia Miret also be
arbitrary, namely, after the required Dismissal ,she has been forced
to leave the office at 12:00 WITA warned and not to come to the
office. Office staff and guards are also required not to divulge the
door when Adelia Miret came to office. In addition, feel humiliated
by superiors through direct action with the post-Dismissal
accusations of losing the transaction banking documents, though not
with the document found by the other colleagues.

4. Mrs. Apri Lia,
felt forced to be arbitrary and intimidation in the interests of Area
Program Manager, Joseph Curtin. Events occurred at the ATM BCA Joseph
Curtin property consumed in the ATM Store Cemara Indah, then ask APRI
Lia to finish with a call Hallo BCA staff and officers, but did not
find a bank ATM’s. In addition, APRI Lia lose rights her day leave
for 13 (thirteen) days as ordered to keep working.

With respect to this
matter, Komnas HAM urge you to give an explanation related to the
complaints presented, including allegations of discrimination and
tyranny. Komnas HAM that the lack of follow-up of complaints is the
occurrence of potential human rights violations, given the provisions
of Law no. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights:

a. Article 3
paragraph (2) states that “Everyone is entitled to the
protection of human rights and basic human freedoms, without
discrimination.”

b. Article 5
paragraph (1) states that “Each person is recognized as a
private man who demands and is entitled to obtain treatment and
protection in accordance with the same dignity kemanusiaannya in
front of the law”

c. Article 24
paragraph (1) states that “Everyone has the right to establish
trade unions and should not be dihambat become members in order to
protect and defend his interests and in accordance with the
provisions of the laws.”

d. Article 38
paragraph (2) states that “Everyone has the right to freely
choose a job of interest and also have the right over the terms of
employment.”

Mandate of
Article 8 and paragraph (1) of Law No. 40/2008 on Discrimination of
Race and Ethnic, Komnas HAM is an institution given the authority to
conduct supervision of the practice of racial and ethnic
discrimination, and paragraph (2): “Searching the facts and the
assessment of individuals, community groups, or the conduct alleged
racial discrimination and ethnicity. “

Relatives
clarification or explanation is required as to examine the problem
objectively, so within thirty (30 days), Komnas HAM has been referred
to obtain clarification.

Said to be
the top concern and the good cooperation, thank you pronounced.

National
Commission for Human Rights

                                                    
Sub-Commission Monitoring
and Investigations

                                                        Johny
Nelson Simanjuntak, SH

                                                                    
Commissioner

Designation copies.
:

1. Chairman of
Komnas HAM (for reports)

2. Minister of
Manpower and Transmigration of Indonesia, in Jakarta

3. Mr. Martin
Hatfull, Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 75

Jakarta

4. Head of
Department of Labor East Nusa Tenggara, in Kupang

5. Jeremy Hobbs,
Director of Oxfam International, Suite 20 266 Banbury Road Oxford OX2
7DL, United Kingdom

6. Barbara Stocking,
Director Oxfam GB, Oxfam House John Smith Drive Cowley Oxford OX4
2JY, United Kingdom

7. Sdr. Prima
Riantony, et al

Jl. Education III
RT. 007/06, Cijantung, Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta

8. Archive

(1-8 without
attachments)

Jakarta,14 April 20009

Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia (Komnas HAM)
pada tanggal 23 Maret 2009 telah menerima surat pengaduan yang
disampaikan oleh Sdr. Prima Riantony, dkk, selaku karyawan Oxfam GB
Indonesia.

Pada intinya Pengadu menyampaikan bahwa di Oxfam
GB Indonesia, khususnya di area office Oxfam GB Kupang telah terjadi
dugaan tindak sewenang-wenang, diskriminasi, dan perlakuan tidak adil
dalam permasalahan PHK, pembatasan terhadap hak untuk berserikat.
Adapun uraian yang disampaikan Pengadu adalah sebagai berikut :

1. Sdr. Prima Riantony, mengeluhkan tindakan Oxfam GB Indonesia yang
   dinilai tidak adil dalam penanganan tuduhan kecurangan terkait
   pembayaran over time (lembur) karyawan Oxfam GB Kupang yang
   tidak terbukti menjadi pelanggaran prosedur. Sdr. Prima Riantony
   menilai bahwa Oxfam GB Indonesia telah melakukan dugaan diskriminasi
   dalam menindaklanjuti pengaduan yang disampaikan oleh staf lokal
   (Indonesia) dan expatriate (asing).

Sdr. Prima Riantony juga menyampaikan keberatan atas tindakan Country
HR Manager, Esther Napitupulu yang melakukan pemblokiran e-mail.
Sejak tanggal 4 Februari 2009 account email Pengadu dan akses
pada seluruh jaringan sistem informasi organisasi telah dibekukan.
Hal itu terkait dengan ajakan Pengadu kepada rekan kerja untuk
membentuk serikat pekerja. Berkenaan dengan hal itu Pengadu menilai
bahwa telah terjadi pemberangusan terhadap hak-hak untuk berserikat
dan berorganisasi.

2. Sdr. Michel Agustin menyampaikan bahwa Oxfam GB Indonesia telah
   melakukan tindakan diskriminasi dalam penanganan pengaduan staf.
   Pada bulan Agustus 2008, Michel Agustin mengadukan pelanggaran kode
   etik yang dilakukan oleh Joseph Curtin dan diselesaikan melalui
   upaya informal. Namun sebaliknya Joseph Curtin kemudian menuntut
   balik dengan pasal penyalahgunaan internet. Michel Agustin kemudian
   dikenakan sanksi formal yaitu final warning letter (surat
   peringatan terakhir).

3. Sdr. Adelia Miret diberhentikan secara sewenang-wenang oleh
   manajemen Oxfam GB Kupang tanpa alasan yang jelas. PHK tersebut
   terjadi setelah pergantian Admin & Finance Manager. Adelia Miret
   juga merasa diperlakukan sewenang-wenang yaitu, setelah PHK
   diputuskan diminta untuk meninggalkan kantor pada pukul 12.00 WITA
   dan diperingatkan untuk tidak datang ke kantor. Staf dan penjaga
   kantor juga diminta untuk tidak membukakan pintu bilamana Adelia
   Miret datang ke kantor. Selain itu, merasa dihina oleh atasan
   langsung melalui tindakan pemanggilan pasca PHK dengan tuduhan
   menghilangkan dokumen transaksi perbankan, walapun tidak terbukti
   dengan ditemukannya dokumen tersebut oleh rekan kerja yang lain.

4. Sdr. Apri Lia, merasa dipaksa secara sewenang-wenang dan intimidasi
   dalam pengurusan kepentingan Area Program Manager, Joseph Curtin.
   Peristiwa tersebut terjadi pada waktu ATM BCA milik Joseph Curtin
   tertelan di ATM Toko Cemara Indah, kemudian meminta Apri Lia untuk
   menyelesaikannya dengan menelpon Hallo BCA namun staf dan petugas
   bank tidak menemukan ATM tersebut. Selain itu, Apri Lia kehilangan
   hak cutinya selama 13 (tiga belas) hari karena diperintahkan untuk
   tetap bekerja.

Sehubungan dengan hal itu, Komnas HAM mendesak Saudara untuk
memberikan penjelasan terkait dengan pengaduan yang disampaikan,
termasuk dugaan diskriminasi dan kesewenang-wenangan. Komnas HAM
mengingatkan bahwa tidak adanya tindak lanjut atas pengaduan tersebut
berpotensi terjadinya pelanggaran hak asasi manusia, mengingat
ketentuan UU No. 39 Tahun 1999 tentang Hak Asasi Manusia:

1. Pasal 3 ayat (2) menyatakan bahwa “Setiap orang berhak
   atas perlindungan hak asasi manusia dan kebebasan dasar manusia,
   tanpa diskriminasi.”

2. Pasal 5 ayat (1) menyatakan bahwa “Setiap orang diakui
   sebagai manusia pribadi yang berhak menuntut dan memperoleh
   perlakuan serta perlindungan yang sama sesuai dengan martabat
   kemanusiaannya di depan hukum”

3. Pasal 24 ayat (1) menyatakan bahwa “Setiap orang berhak
   untuk mendirikan serikat pekerja dan tidak boleh dihambat untuk
   menjadi anggotanya demi melindungi dan memperjuangkan
   kepentingannya serta sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan
   perundang-undangan.”

4. Pasal 38 ayat (2) menyatakan bahwa “Setiap orang berhak
   dengan bebas memilih pekerjaan yang disukainya dan berhak pula atas
   syarat-syarat ketenagakerjaan.”

Serta mandat Pasal 8 ayat (1) Undang-Undang No. 40/2008 tentang
Penghapusan Diskriminasi Ras dan Etnis, Komnas HAM adalah lembaga
yang diberikan kewenangan untuk melakukan pengawasan terhadap praktek
diskriminasi ras dan etnis serta ayat (2): “Pencarian fakta
dan penilaian terhadap orang perseorangan, kelompok masyarakat, atau
yang diduga melakukan diskriminasi ras dan etnis”.

Klarifikasi ataupun penjelasan Saudara sangat diperlukan sebagai
bahan untuk menelaah permasalahan tersebut secara objektif, oleh
karenanya dalam waktu 30 (tiga puluh hari), Komnas HAM sudah
memperoleh penjelasan dimaksud.

Demikian disampaikan untuk menjadi perhatian dan atas
kerjasamanya yang baik, diucapkan terima kasih.

Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia

Sub Komisi Pemantauan dan Penyelidikan

Johny Nelson Simanjuntak, SH

Komisioner

Tembusan Yth. :

1. Ketua
   Komnas HAM (sebagai laporan)

2. Menteri
   Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi RI, di Jakarta

3. Mr.
   Martin Hatfull, Duta Besar Inggris, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No 75
   Jakarta
   

4. Kepala
   Dinas Tenaga Kerja Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur, di Kupang

5. Jeremy
   Hobbs, Director
   Oxfam International, Suite 20 266 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7DL,
   United Kingdom

6. Barbara
   Stocking, Director
   Oxfam GB, Oxfam House John Smith Drive Cowley
   Oxford OX4 2JY, United Kingdom

7. Sdr.
   Prima Riantony, dkk

Jl. Pendidikan III RT. 007/06, Cijantung, Pasar Rebo,
Jakarta Timur

8. Arsip

(1-8 tanpa lampiran)

Video : El Pueblo Unido – Lets create equality in Oxfam GB in Indonesia

A Whistleblower for serious Corruption case in Kupang (Sub-District Office) got Final warning (without 1st & 2nd warning letter )and suspended. We don’t understand,why the good man who reported a corruptions case got suspended/warning, this is weird. and The Suspected person now got promotion. Hello, where is the Justice ? Where is the Right to Be Heard that Oxfam GB always promote that.

Below messages from Prima Riantony :

Dear All,

My name is Prima Riantony, Finance Officer of Oxfam GB Indonesia Country
Office in Jakarta. I’ve been worked with Oxfam for almost seven years, since
August 2002. I decided to join Oxfam GB at that time, although it
onlyoffered me one year fixed term contract,
compare to my secured two year-contract from the previous job, which was
just going on for three months. I was interested to move to Oxfam since I
heard many good stories of Oxfam’s work in my country. I heard about its
belief, idealism, and excellence on gender mainstreaming and many other
development issues. I also heard about Mansour Fakih, the former Oxfam GB
Country Representatives, a respected social activist with his inspiring social
books, especially about gender mainstreaming. I knew that Oxfam GB is a
highly reputable organization at that time and wondered how proud I would be
if I could be part of it.

I started my career in Oxfam GB as a Finance Assistant in former Yogyakarta
Country Office. At the beginning of my career, in September 2002, I was
appointed to attend Peoplesoft Training in Manila. I felt such an honour
that Oxfam relied on me, who only have a one year contract to attend a
training abroad. It was also the first time I had a chance to travel abroad.
At that time, I promised that I have to contribute as much as I can for this
organization. Upon returning from the training, I was very enthusiastic to
learn many things in Oxfam, and spent most of my time to work, although it’s
late at night, or even during weekend or public holiday, to contribute as
much as I could for this respectful organization. I did that happily and
sincerely because I was very proud to be part of Oxfam. Moreover, a week
after tsunami hit Banda Aceh, I was deployed there as the first finance
staff to set up the office, systems and many other things pertaining to that
emergency situation. I was worried before departed to Aceh, because I heard
that tremors are still often. My worries then changed into spirit, when I
came and worked with many colleagues, who were carrying out such a noble
assignment. Again, I was very proud to be a part of Oxfam GB.

Time went by and many things happened in Oxfam GB such as change of
leadership and organization restructure. I observed many changes on ways of
working, programme implementations, and culture change in accordingly too.
Many difficulties happened as the consequences; however, I always saw them
as challenges that made me stronger. My love for this organization has bear
down anything.

However, surprisingly, on 20 October 2008, I was alleged for conducting
fraud because I was suspected to have paid the overtime of the guards,
drivers and other staff whose payments were delayed for long time, without
authorization from budget holder. The fraud allegation was submitted by one
of the managers who already retired from Oxfam GB. This was later proved as
a false allegation as shown in the various evidences and
documentations. Because
that fraud allegation was clearly not proved, I raised grievance as per Oxfam
policy, but my grievance was not processed at all.

Although the fraud allegation was proved to be wrong, I was again alleged
with other allegation, which is misconduct on 12 November 2008. I was
alleged to have paid the overtime of the guards, drivers and other staff,
without authorization from budget holder. I was very upset with the new
allegation, which should have not been released when the first allegation
was not even proved. Meanwhile, my right of recovering from the first
allegation has never been followed up by management. I have asked my line
manager and HR about that many times, but they always answer me with various
reasons which I found difficult to understand. Even when I asked my right to
be informed about the status of my case to the honorable managers, they
tended to delay and “throwing the ball” each other. My right as a staff
member to receive a fair treat after a false serious allegation was violated
by such kind of responses.

Yesterday, 03 February ’09, I received a Final Warning Letter, for the
misconduct
allegation against me. This letter was beyond my expectation since I am very
sure that I did not make any mistakes, and I already gave reasonable and
complete statements, arguments and facts. I felt that it really hurts my
personal dignity and pride as an Oxfam GB staff member. I have never felt
this kind of situation, in my seven years career as an NGO staff, and six
years as an Oxfam GB staff. As a result of this uncomfortable situation that
I was put on to by the management, I lost a lot of valuable time with my wife
and child, especially with my newborn daughter who is just 2.5 months oldnow,
difficulty to achieve my work objectives and felt stressed of loosing my
right to be heard, in the organization that I love and respect.

I do hope that other employees will not suffer the same situation as mine in
the future. I found it very difficult to get help from any colleagues, at
least to accompany or to consult my situation. I really feel more vulnerable
since there is nobody are willing to be staff representative, who accompany
a staff when facing an internal labour dispute in Oxfam GB. I used to
be accompanied
by a staff representative, who was one of the advisors that always willing
to be a staff representative for labour disputes. Unfortunately, he is no
longer work with Oxfam GB since last month. After he left, I don’t know how
to defend my rights, moreover in the situation where there is no labour
union in Oxfam GB Indonesia. I noticed that many former staff have been raised
the issue of labor union importance in Oxfam GB Indonesia due to the
recurring labor disputes between management and staff in the recent years.
Nonetheless, many of the cases have just ended up in staff resignation or
termination, and no follow up on the establishment of the union. There needs
to be a careful investigation, why such an effort seemed to be of no
success. As in the commercial corporate, which usually are the target of
Oxfam’s critiques, it seems that staff are afraid to negotiate face to face
with management for their rights, because at anytime managers can use their
power to pressure the staff by making the working environment uncomfortable
for them.

Back into the history, the struggle to form staff union was initiated by
Victoria Fanggidae, or Country Advisory Team some years ago. Unfortunately,
Victoria Fanggidae and those of advisory team were not with us anymore. This
kind of problem was repeatedly happen before and there were no repairing
effort due to HR attitude. In example, some years ago, Victoria Fanggidae
called to form labour union but she is not in Oxfam GB anymore due to the
typically same case. Her history case is now could clearly found by browse
over internet (via google).

I just wondered if only labor union exist in Oxfam GB Indonesia, then I can
seek support to face this difficult situation, and not struggling alone. If
only labor union exist in here, I believe that employees will have a better
bargaining position collectively with the employer, which is in line with
Oxfam campaign on labor rights. I believe that through a labor union, the
issue of inequality and fear between employees and management can be
minimized.

Friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters, let this difficult time only
happen to me. I really hope others will not suffer from this kind of
situation. I believe, there is only one way for us to relieve ourselves, as
Oxfam GB employees, and the labor of a so-called humanitarian and
development organization. Therefore, I would like to have my say very loud
and clear, to express my freedom of speak and right to be heard, A CALL OF
LABOUR UNITY!

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, LET US FORM A LABOUR UNION, AND CREATE AN EQUALITY!

Sincerely,

Prima Riantony

Finance Officer

—————————————-

Oxfam GB – Country Office

Indonesia Programme

Jl. Taman Margasatwa no.26A

Ragunan, Jakarta Selatan

Tel : +62-21-7811827

Fax : +62-21-7812321

Website : www.oxfamgb.org/eastasia

Please support and make Appeal to

1. Sarah Ireland ,Oxfam GB Regional Director East Asia email : SIreland@oxfam.org.uk

2. Snehal Soneji, Acting Country Director Oxfam GB in Indonesia email :SSoneji@oxfam.org.uk
Mob : +62-812-269-291-5

3. Libby Anne Desforges, Deputy Country Director Oxfam GB in Indonesia email:LDesforges@oxfam.org.uk
Mob : +62-811-268-630

4. Esther Napitupulu, Country HR Manager Oxfam GB in Indonesia email :ENapitupulu@oxfam.org.uk
Mob : +62-811-176-387

5. Mahani ,Acting Country Finance Manager Oxfam GB in Indonesia email :Mahani@oxfam.org.uk

Mob : +62-811-269-856

Oxfam GB in Indonesia
Address :
Jl Taman Margasatwa no26A
Ragunan ,Jakarta Selatan
Ph : +62-21-7811827
Fax : +62-21-7812321

PLEASE SIGN TO THE PETITION
Freedom Expression of Speak and Right to be heard,Let us Form a Labour Union, create an equality ! in Oxfam GB in Indonesia.

http://www.petitiononline.com/909s8809/petition.html