PT. Gabri Indo Italy, a garment manufacturer located in Tangerang, Banten, has shut down its factory without prior official notice, violating workers' rights, according to the Nusantara Workers' Union (SBN).

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, afternoon, SBN chairperson at PT. Gabri Indo Italy received a text message from the company's HR department stating that the factory would be closed starting Wednesday, April 9, 2025. There was no official letter, negotiation with the union, or notification to the local labor authorities.

This marks the second time in two months that the company has abruptly closed its factory. A similar closure occurred on February 6, 2025, when the company locked the factory gates, preventing workers from entering. Operations only resumed on February 17, 2025. Both closures were conducted without prior notification to workers, labor unions, or the Tangerang labor office.

Since 2021, PT. Gabri Indo Italy has been accused of violating labor laws by underpaying workers. The company has consistently used outdated minimum wage rates, paying 2021 wages based on the 2020 rate, and continuing this pattern through 2025 by applying 2024 rates.

Furthermore, since November 2022, the company has deducted BPJS Health and BPJS Employment contributions from workers' salaries but has failed to remit them to BPJS. Since April 2025, employees' BPJS Health coverage has been deactivated, despite ongoing deductions.

“These workers have been exploited repeatedly − paid below the legal minimum wage, denied their BPJS rights, and now abruptly dismissed without any notice. This is not just a labor issue − it’s an attack on human dignity,” Anik Rubiyatun, SBN Chairperson, said in a statement as quoted on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

These actions violate Article 148 of Law No. 13/2003 on Manpower, which mandates that employers provide written notice to workers and government authorities at least seven working days before any lockout. Additionally, a failure to pay and deposit BPJS contributions, as regulated under Law No. 24/2011, is punishable by up to eight years in prison or a fine of up to Rp1 billion (US$59,383).

In response, the Nusantara Workers' Union (SBN) demands that PT. Gabri Indo Italy:

• Pay outstanding wages based on the 2024 Tangerang Regency minimum wage as stipulated by Banten Governor’s Decree No. 472/2024.

• Disburse the 2025 holiday allowance (THR) to 18 employees who have yet to receive it.

• Settle all outstanding BPJS Health and BPJS Employment contributions deducted from workers since November 1, 2022, and enroll all employees in mandatory social security programs.

• Provide an official and legally compliant explanation for the sudden factory closure and guarantee job security for all workers.

• Urge the Tangerang Regency Government and relevant authorities to take firm action against PT. Gabri Indo Italy and ensure enforcement of labor laws against non-compliant employers.