Ten Indonesian soldiers are suspected of detaining dozens of people in a cell with iron bars in North Sumatra province, Yukani news reported, citing Indonesian army chief Muhammad Andik Birkas.
Birkas said Taiwan authorities discovered the slaves in January during a search of the home of former Langkat district governor Turpet Rinkana. After he was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission on suspicion of receiving bribes for an infrastructure project.
It is noteworthy that a report was submitted to the National Human Rights Committee, stating that at least 40 drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation were placed in the cell. They were forced to work without pay or rest on a Turbet palm plantation for about 10 years.
The commander urged all victims to provide detailed information so that the authorities have the opportunity to “bring to justice all those involved in the case that took place since 2011-2012.” North Sumatra police said Turbet was a suspect in the case in April and eight others in March.
