Indonesian govt condemns Chinese fishing company for 'inhuman' behaviour towards their fishermen

The Indonesian government has condemned a Chinese fishing company for their "inhuman" behaviour towards their nationals. The company is alleged to treat its Indonesian workers as virtual slaves which led to the death of three of them. 

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a video conference from Jakarta where she said that 49 Indonesian fishermen, ranging from 19 to 24 years old, were forced to work an average of over 18 hours a day on at least four Chinese fishing boats. According to the foreign minister, some of them were not paid or did not receive the whole amount. 

Crew members of the company were forced to work for extra time, in poor conditions that have caused illness which eventually led to the death of three Indonesian men. The bodies of the deceased were thrown overboard into the Pacific Ocean. 

"We condemn the inhuman treatment against our crew members working at the Chinese fishing company," Marsudi said. "Based on the information from the crews, the company has violated human rights."

The condemnation came after a few videos released by South Korean media made rounds on social media where an unnamed Indonesian fisherman told about the unfair treatment by the Chinese company. 

The crew members, who were promised $300 per month received less $300 for full year's work. "We will ensure that the company has to fulfil our crews' rights," Marsudi said.