President opens new arrival terminal for migrant workers<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): \"Welcome home to the heroes of foreign
\nexchange,\" read a banner as President B.J. Habibie inaugurated
\nTerminal Three at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
In his report to the President presented during the ceremony,
\nMinister of Manpower Fahmi Idris said the operation of the
\ndesignated arrival terminal for returning migrant workers was
\naimed at providing greater protection for them from extortionists
\nand swindlers operating at the airport.<\/p>\n
The minister said the operation of the terminal, located at
\nthe former site of the Indonesian Air Show held in June 1996, was
\nurgently needed because at least 600 workers arrived at the
\nairport daily.<\/p>\n
The airport's other terminals are designated for domestic
\nflights and for the Indonesian flag carrier Garuda and
\ninternational airlines.<\/p>\n
The new terminal provides immigration facilities, a money
\nchanger and ticket booths for land transport to several cities in
\nJava. However, the building is only equipped with fans and one
\nworker likened the temperature in the building to Jeddah in Saudi
\nArabia, a major destination for Indonesian workers.<\/p>\n
Similar facilities also are planned at Adi Sumarmo Airport in
\nthe Central Java town of Surakarta and the Juanda Airport in
\nSurabaya. \"Migrant workers face many problems upon their arrival
\nat Soekarno-Hatta International Airport regarding their
\ntransportation,\" Fahmi said.<\/p>\n
The President expressed deep concern over tragic experiences
\nof workers abroad and of one upon their arrival home. Many have
\nreported rape and abuse by employers and agents. Several families
\nhave charged their daughters died in mysterious circumstances
\nduring service abroad.<\/p>\n
\"We are obliged to ensure protection for Indonesian workers,
\nincluding when they return home,\" the President said, noting
\ntheir contribution to their families and the country.<\/p>\n
About 1.2 million overseas workers send home about US$3.5
\nmillion annually. Fahmi has said the number of illegal workers,
\nincluding in Malaysia, also was quite high.<\/p>\n
About 100 migrants workers, mostly from Saudi Arabia, attended
\nthe ceremony upon their arrival home. A worker said they were
\nasked to wait for the President's arrival.<\/p>\n
Indarwati from Jember, East Java, cried when an official read
\na prayer for the safety and prosperity of the workers. She said
\nshe remembered how her employers in Al Qassim Buraidoh, Saudi
\nArabia, forced her to work a minimum 18-hour day.<\/p>\n
\"I had no time to rest ... I will never go back,\" said the 26-
\nyear-old worker who received 700 Saudi rial per month. She said
\nshe worked for two years.<\/p>\n
Rosita said she lost a finger when using a washing machine at
\nher employer's home in Jeddah. Rosita said she chose to return to
\nher village in Tulungagung, East Java, but her employer refused
\nto pay her compensation.<\/p>\n
\"I used my own money to buy the ticket home,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Susi Permata Sari, 29, said she could only work for one month
\nbecause she could not stand the daily beatings by her employer.<\/p>\n
\"The minister said the government would protect us but I have
\nto pay Rp 175,000 ($20),\" Susi complained about the bus fare to
\nCilacap, Central Java.<\/p>\n
The President asked about 20 workers whether they were
\nsatisfied with their income and working conditions. Most of those
\nwho worked in Saudi Arabia said they did not plan to return.
\nSeveral others said they worked for good employers.<\/p>\n
A couple from East Java told the President they could save at
\nleast Rp 33 million per year while working in Saudi Arabia. The
\nhusband worked as a driver and his wife as a maid.<\/p>\n
\"We even can perform our haj pilgrimage, Pak,\" the man said.
\nMany workers cite the goal of going on the pilgrimage among their
\nreasons for seeking jobs in the Middle East. (prb)<\/p>",
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