After three years, he managed to escape and returned to Indonesia. In Nunukan, a remote border district between Indonesia and Malaysia, he tried to rebuild his life. He worked as a construction worker, a street vendor, a restaurant assistant and a seaweed farmer. At the same time, he faced personal tragedy: his newborn child died after a chronic illness and later he also lost his home in a fire.
Indonesia: From Victim of Human Trafficking to Regional Trade Union Leader
“ During that time, life began to feel unbearably hard. ”
Sainudin, trade union leader
In 2012, Sainudin found work as a harvester at the palm oil company PT Sebakis Inti Lestari (PT SIL). There, he saw that many workers were facing problems but had no safe way of raising them.
When colleagues took the initiative to set up a trade union in 2014, he joined straight away.
“ There were so many problems, but nobody dared to raise awareness to them ”
Sainudin, trade union leader
Hukatan became the first trade union in Nunukan. What began as a small initiative grew into an organisation that today represents around 1,500 workers at six palm oil companies.
Change through organisation
Under Sainudin’s leadership, Hukatan managed to implement various improvements. For example, agreements were reached on pension entitlements and compensation for employees who were made redundant or left the company. The collection of trade union dues was also made more transparent through the company’s payroll system.
Nevertheless, the work remains challenging. Trade union leaders are sometimes put under pressure, and key issues such as decent housing, clean drinking water and fair wages require constant attention.
Despite these obstacles, Sainudin remains committed to his colleagues. With the support of training courses under the Trade Union Co-financing Programme (TUCP) – covering topics such as human rights and due diligence – he has been able to further develop his knowledge and skills.
Results
The efforts of Sainudin and Hukatan have led to:
- stronger representation for around 1,500 workers
- improved social dialogue between workers and management
- better protection of pension and compensation rights
- greater awareness of labour rights amongst workers
- a stronger position for trade unions in the palm oil sector in Nunukan
Conclusion
Sainudin’s story shows how one person, despite adversity and exploitation, can make a difference to many. From being a victim of human trafficking, he went on to become a respected trade union leader who stands up for workers’ rights.
