Indonesian Court Supports Consumers’ Asbestos Lawsuit
A press statement issued on February 13th conveyed news of yet another win by Indonesian campaigners against asbestos vested interests.1 After six months of hearings, motions and deliberations, Chief Judge of the Central Jakarta District Court Marper Pandiangan threw out legal arguments by the asbestos manufacturers association (FICMA) which had sought huge damages from civil society groups following a March 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandating warning labels for asbestos roofing products.2
 Campaigners from the Consumer Protection Organization (LPKSM) Yasa Nata Budi at the Central Jakarta Court. Photograph courtesy of LPKSM Yasa Nata Budi. |
As the news of this important win for public health was disseminating, there was a palpable sense of vindication amongst individuals and groups which had been targeted by FICMA.3 The latest court victory was, said one campaigner, an important wake-up call for Indonesians; another said it was a “constitutional reminder for all to take responsibility… for the health of workers and consumers.”
Muchamad Darisman, Coordinator of the Indonesia Ban Asbestos Network, believed the verdict demonstrated the Government’s “interest in protecting its citizens from the dangers of asbestos. There is,” he cautioned “no reason for anyone, including the trade ministry, not to comply with placing hazard labels on every [type of] asbestos roofing.”
Looking a bit closer at the wording of Judge Pandiangan’s decision, the matter has not been resolved, once and for all, as one might have hoped. Acknowledging that the Central Jakarta District Court did not have jurisdiction over this case, the Judge kicked the can down the road ruling that as it was a Supreme Court verdict at issue it should be the Supreme Court which had the final word. FICMA has until the middle of March to file an appeal.
February 20, 2025
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1 Menang! Penjualan Atap Asbes Harus Cantumkan Label Peringatan [Win! Asbestos Roof Sales Must Include Warning Labels].
http://lionindonesia.org/berita/2025/02/17/menang-penjualan-atap-asbes-harus-cantumkan-label-peringatan/
2 APHEDA. Big Win: Jakarta Court Throws Out Asbestos Industry Intimidation Attempt in Indonesia but Battle May Continue. February 19, 2025.
https://www.apheda.org.au/big-win-jakarta-court-throws-out-asbestos-industry-intimidation-attempt-in-indonesia-but-battle-may-continue/
Tok! PN Jakpus Putuskan Penjualan Atap Asbes Harus Cantumkan Label Peringatan [Central Jakarta District Court Decides That Asbestos Roof Sales Must Include Warning Labels]. February 18, 2025.
https://www.daulat.co/polhukam/123997579/tok-pn-jakpus-putuskan-penjualan-atap-asbes-harus-cantumkan-label-peringatan
3 Kazan-Allen, L. Industry Attacks Consumers Historic Win Against Chrysotile Asbestos. October 14, 2024.
http://ibasecretariat.org/lka-industry-attacks-consumers-historic-win-against-chrysotile-asbestos.php
