Batam’s Manpower Office urges workers to report companies withholding diplomas, warning legal consequences.

The Batam Manpower Office has issued a stern warning to companies unlawfully withholding employee diplomas, reaffirming that such practices are illegal and urging workers to come forward with complaints.

Batam Takes Firm Stand on Employee Rights

The Batam City Manpower Office (Disnaker) has firmly stated that companies are prohibited from withholding employee diplomas under any circumstance. Head of Batam Disnaker, Rudi Sakyakirti, emphasized on May 28, 2025, that retaining an employee’s academic certificate violates national labor laws and must not be tolerated.

Companies Could Face Sanctions

Rudi underlined that such practices are not only unethical but also illegal. Companies found guilty of withholding diplomas can face administrative sanctions and legal consequences. “If employees experience this, we urge them to report directly to the Manpower Office,” he said, as reported by Tribun Batam and Antara Kepri.

The regulation stems from national employment law, which mandates fair and dignified treatment of workers. Withholding personal documents is considered coercion and can be legally challenged.

Reporting Channels Are Open

To assist affected workers, Disnaker Batam has opened accessible channels for reporting violations. Employees can visit the office in person or submit complaints via available online portals. This move aims to create a healthier work environment across the industrial city.

Widespread Implications in Batam

The problem of diploma withholding has been particularly observed among labor-intensive companies, including manufacturing and shipbuilding firms. These sectors often recruit young graduates who may be unaware of their rights or fear job loss if they speak up.

Rudi stressed that retaining diplomas is not a form of contract security and must not be normalized in corporate practices.

A Call for Corporate Responsibility

The Manpower Office urges companies to build trust through fair contracts rather than coercive policies. Employers are reminded that professional agreements must be based on mutual respect, not document retention.

With Batam’s growing significance as an industrial hub bordering Singapore, upholding labor standards is essential not only for local welfare but also for international credibility.

This directive from Batam’s Manpower Office reflects a broader commitment to uphold labor rights in Indonesia. By outlawing diploma withholding, authorities aim to foster a fairer job market and protect the dignity of workers. For neighboring Singaporean businesses operating in Batam, it serves as a reminder to align with Indonesian labor laws and respect employee autonomy.

Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Antara Kepri (2025)

Keywords: Batam Manpower Office, Employee Diploma, Company Regulations, Indonesian Labor Law, Worker Rights