Indonesian airline under fire for naked breast-checks

Indonesian airline under fire for naked breast-checks

Applicants complained that the procedure was embarrassing. Image source: ReutersAn Indonesian airline came under fire after reports claim it is conducting near-naked physical check-ups for South Korean flight attendant jobs.Last month, a health check-up for Garuda Indonesia, the countrys flag carrier, required all female cabin crew applicants to remove all their garments, except for their underwear, and lie on a bed, Yonhap news agency reported.

There, an Indonesian male doctor began to palpate their breasts and elsewhere.After the test, many applicants complained the procedure was embarrassing and that they have felt extremely uncomfortable about being naked and touched.

But the airline insists that the examination was an ordinary process for all branches of the airline. Garuda also said the system is based on cultural and religious beliefs, and all check-ups were conducted with the consensus of applicants.In case of the breast palpation, we conduct it to screen out those who have breast implants. We have a regulation to screen those persons because a sharp drop of air pressure inside the carrier could sometimes cause them health damage. Also, we conduct full examination of skin on the basis of the religious guideline prohibiting tattoos, a Garuda spokesperson was quoted saying.The company has also reportedly said that the same examination process is conducted in other branches including Japan and Australia, and argued that all other airline companies have similar examination processes.However, many industry insiders said such all-over-the-body palpation is not common.I cannot believe that an international carrier has actually conducted a test in such way, a domestic airline company insider confided. Of course there is a medical test. But it never involves getting semi-naked and touched ! on the b reasts. The checkup closer to revealing the skin is taking an X-ray with their gowns on, he added.Womens rights groups were furious. It is unconvincing in any situation. I cannot help but question whether it is a sexual assault, LeeKoo Kyung-sook of Korean Womens Association United told Yonhap.The ban on breast implantation sounds almost absurd. Does that mean people who have received plastic surgeries shouldnt be on board? Taking into account all the cultural differences, there needs to be a clear explanation, she added.Source: The Korea Herald/ANN
Published August 25 2011