Inordinately emotional<\/p>\n
In what seems to be a perennial issue, much of the public's
\nattention in recent weeks has been fixed on the return of migrant
\nworkers from Malaysia. The latest move will see the forcible
\nreturn of an estimated half-a-million Indonesian workers packed
\ninto ships before the end of the year.<\/p>\n
An overwhelming majority of the deported workers are believed
\nto be illegal migrants who either had no working permits to begin
\nwith or whose permits have expired.<\/p>\n
Malaysia is traditionally a popular destination for many
\nworkers seeking employment. Due to its proximity, its similarity
\nin language and environment, Indonesian workers find Malaysia an
\nattractive alternative to the languishing Indonesian economy.<\/p>\n
Many venture into open seas, succumbing to fraudulent labor
\nrecruiters and unscrupulous employers all for a quick buck, or in
\nthis case, a quick ringgit.<\/p>\n
For years, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur have signed agreements,
\nheld talks and conducted joint actions to resolve the issue of
\nillegal migrant workers. Nevertheless, the problem remains as
\nchronic as ever.<\/p>\n
The fact is that while Indonesia's economy falters, there will
\nremain hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of people who
\nwill risk life and limb for such employment opportunities. No
\nmatter what the conditions and dangers they face as an illegal
\nalien in a neighboring country, the benefits outweigh the risks
\nof likely destitution at home.<\/p>\n
But the numerous problems reported concerning migrant workers
\nin recent years have slowly turned the matter into an emotional
\nissue. It has been heated up further by growing reports of the
\nalleged harassment of Indonesian workers by Malaysian employers
\nand authorities.<\/p>\n
We hear and read of media stories about Indonesian maids being
\nabused, and of how Indonesian migrant shanties are being torn
\ndown and their inhabitants hunted like animals. Television
\nstations recently carried \"exclusive\" interviews with workers --
\nclaiming to be working legally in Malaysia -- who were wounded
\nafter Malaysian police allegedly shot immigrants while attempting
\nto round up illegal aliens.<\/p>\n
The saddest part of all is that we increasingly hear stories
\nof how Indonesians, irrespective of their backgrounds, are being
\ntreated as and earning the reputation of second-class citizens.<\/p>\n
It is concerning, and these stories only help to stir up
\nemotions at home. While officials in both capitals confidently
\nclaim the issues will not strain the fundamental ties between the
\ntwo countries, these events may carve deeper scars that could
\nhave a longer-term impact on perceptions than currently
\nperceived.<\/p>\n
Few nations are so culturally, ethnically and religiously
\nlinked as Malaysia and Indonesia. Conflicts and disputes should
\nbe placed in their context, and on a plane which can be mutually
\nresolved.<\/p>\n
We should not neglect the fact that the migrant worker issue
\nis particularly sensitive in Indonesia. Diplomatic talks may
\nsmooth over the top-level tensions, but high-level issues are
\noften beyond the emotional radar of the everyday person.<\/p>\n
While Indonesians frequently mistreat one another, even the
\nslightest mention of a fellow countryman being maltreated by a
\nforeigner sets the blood boiling. Irrespective of the background
\nand context, subjectivity takes over and the line between right
\nand wrong, who's the victim and who's to blame, becomes blurred.<\/p>\n
This is by no means trying to excuse the many truly despicable
\ncrimes that do take place against Indonesians abroad. The torture
\nof maid Nirmala Bonat earlier this year is inexcusable, and the
\nMalaysian courts quickly handed down a severe punishment to her
\nemployer.<\/p>\n
What is needed is to place the issues that arise in context
\nand to avoid unwarranted generalizations.<\/p>\n
Human tragedies can bring out the best in people, but they
\noften produce fallacious generalizations to those even remotely
\nassociated with the perceived offense.<\/p>\n
The East Timor affair in 1999 was one example of how personal
\nemotions boiled over as innocent Australians here, and
\nIndonesians in Australia become targets of ire.<\/p>\n
In the wake of the 9\/11 terrorist attack we also know how the
\nactions of a few demented individuals stigmatized Muslims.<\/p>\n
On the question of migrant workers, both sides have to work
\nharder to ensure the safety, well-being and interests of all
\ninvolved. The Malaysian and Indonesian governments have to
\ncontinue to strive to keep this problem in check.<\/p>\n
The bottom line is that there is a need for cheap labor on
\nboth sides because if there weren't, the stream of migrants would
\nnaturally subside. It is more of a case of problem management,
\nrather than problem solving.<\/p>\n
In that respect, we -- Malaysians and Indonesians -- should
\nremember the source of the problem is in our own ranks. It is
\nopportunists in both countries who exploit the innocence and
\nignorance of migrant workers.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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