Language barrier<\/p>\n
Bahasa Indonesia serves a unique position in this nation's
\nhistory. Not only does it function as a medium of communication,
\nbut it has also became a unifier of the nation.<\/p>\n
The language has been the bridge in uniting the many ethnic
\ngroups, which have their own unique local language. By virtue of
\nthe sheer size of Indonesia's population, Bahasa Indonesia is one
\nof the top five most spoken languages in the world.<\/p>\n
Hence, it is such a shame that a language, which served as a
\ncatalyst for unity, would be used to discriminate.<\/p>\n
That will happen if the government persists in setting strict
\nlanguage prerequisites on foreigners employed in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris has apparently followed a
\nplan, initially introduced some two years ago, to require Bahasa
\nIndonesia proficiency tests for expatriates working here.<\/p>\n
The minister said the tests would be designed to reduce the
\nnumber of foreign workers in the country.<\/p>\n
Fahmi is apparently afraid that Indonesian citizens will lose
\nout in the job market as the country, based on regional and
\nglobal trade arrangements, begins opening its doors to foreign
\njob seekers next year.<\/p>\n
An understanding of local customs and culture, including its
\nlanguage, is always preferable when anyone seeks employment in a
\nforeign country. The willingness of newcomers to learn such
\nthings, not only shows respect toward the people of the host
\nnation, but will ultimately facilitate the transition and work of
\nthat person on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
But to introduce formal language requirements as a condition
\nto obtaining a work permit is an unnecessary, not to mention
\nunfair, condition.<\/p>\n
Employment should be based on one's own skill and merit. If a
\nlanguage requirement is so crucial that it does require a higher
\ndegree of proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia, then those unable to
\nspeak the language will automatically be filtered out.<\/p>\n
Technical competence related to the field in question should
\nthe be the single biggest consideration.<\/p>\n
We believe that expats with a professional aptitude and those
\nthat truly want to work in this country will, by their own
\nvolition, seek to learn more about the prevailing norms and
\ncustoms, including the language. To do otherwise would only be
\ndetrimental to his\/her career here.<\/p>\n
The government's plan only reveals a lack of self-confidence
\nand shows its perceptions about the poor standard of our
\nworkforce.<\/p>\n
The objective should not be protectionism, but instead to
\nengage in policies that would lift the quality of Indonesia's
\nworkforce -- through education and training.<\/p>\n
If we as a nation are only qualified as street sweepers, then
\nmaybe that is what we should ultimately become. To blame others
\nwho are more qualified to take jobs that most Indonesians could
\nnot do anyway is petty.<\/p>\n
It is our own fault that we have not, and still are not,
\ninvesting enough in education.<\/p>\n
India is one developing country in which such an investment
\nmust be lauded and emulated for consistently investing in that
\nsector despite the economic challenges.<\/p>\n
There is nothing to be afraid of. With the right attitude and
\ndetermination, the climate of free competition will only make the
\nnation better.<\/p>\n
Indonesia -- along with the likes of India and the Philippines
\n-- is a country that can actually benefit from the loosening of
\nrestrictions on foreign employment. There are perhaps 10 times
\nmore Indonesians working abroad than the some 130,000 expatriate
\nworkers here.<\/p>\n
What would happen, for example, if Indonesian migrant workers
\ngoing to the Middle East or Hong Kong were required to take a
\nlanguage proficiency test in Arabic or Mandarin before being
\ngranted a work permit?<\/p>\n
It would not be an exaggeration to predict that almost all
\nwould fail.<\/p>\n
Since the government is seeking to boost the number of migrant
\nworkers sent abroad, Jakarta should thus act with equal
\nreciprocity.<\/p>\n
There are other means, many already in place, to control the
\nnumber of expatriates working in this country. Already
\nexpatriates here pay much higher taxes than locals. When a
\ncompany requires the services of a capable foreigner, local
\ncompanies already have to justify their reasons for hiring an
\nexpatriate.<\/p>\n
Although Minister Fahmi Idris claims that the government is
\nnot trying to discriminate, but this action belies his sincerity
\nand instead reveals an overly xenophobic outlook.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/language-barrier-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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