Help sought for stranded Myanmarese<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku<\/p>\n
The Ambon branch of the Indonesian Mariners Union (KPI) has
\ncalled on the London-based International Transport Workers'
\nFederation (ITF) to step in and help Myanmarese sailors who have
\nbeen stranded in Southeast Maluku regency for several years.<\/p>\n
KPI Ambon chairman Ignatius Joko Susanto said on Monday the
\nMyanmarese had been cheated and abandoned by their employers and
\nwere wanted by the local police for alleged immigration offenses.<\/p>\n
Joko said the union registered 1,266 mariners from Myanmar who
\nhad been sent to Maluku in 1995 without proper documents,
\nincluding some who carried fake passports.<\/p>\n
\"Via KPI headquarters, we expect the ITF to help settle the
\nvarious problems facing the Myanmarese sailor and take action
\nagainst their employers and clients of the companies who sent
\nthem here,\" Joko said in a statement.<\/p>\n
He said 555 Myanmarese mariners were working in ports in the
\nSoutheast Maluku capital of Tual, 221 had been living with local
\nresidents and the rest had died from illnesses and abuse by their
\nlocal employers. KPI Ambon also found 48 Myanmarese had married
\nlocal women and sired 102 children.<\/p>\n
Joko said some of the foreign sailors had tried to seek
\nemployment although they did not have work permits.<\/p>\n
\"They have fled to small islands or to forests to escape
\narrest. Three Myanmarese were detained recently, but were
\nreleased after they each paid Rp 1 million (US$108) for bail,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
KPI Ambon records show four Myanmarese were discharged from
\nTual's Langgur General Hospital after being treated for injuries
\nsustained from abuse allegedly committed by their Indonesian
\nemployers. Joko said the four owed the hospital Rp 4 million in
\nmedical fees.<\/p>\n
The mariners union has asked the ITF to help repatriate the
\nMyanmarese sailors and assist those married to local women to
\nobtain Indonesian citizenship.<\/p>\n
The union has also appealed to its headquarters to open an
\noffice in the remote regency to help resolve the problems faced
\nby the Myanmarese.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/help-sought-for-stranded-myanmarese-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}