Proposal lauded to send ex-becak drivers abroad<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso welcomed on Tuesday a
\nproposal, the first of its kind, to send some 300 former becak
\n(pedicab) drivers, to work at plantations and furniture
\nmanufacturers in neighboring Malaysia.<\/p>\n
"The most important thing is that the former becak drivers
\nreceive comprehensive information about the types of jobs and
\ntheir salaries," Sutiyoso said as quoted by city administration
\nspokesman Muhayat.<\/p>\n
"They must also be accompanied by an advocacy team to ensure
\ntheir basic legal rights while working abroad," he said.<\/p>\n
The governor's approval was voiced in a meeting at City Hall
\nwith executives of PT Glorious Victory, a labor agency which
\nproposes the export of the former pedicab drivers.<\/p>\n
"We will send them to work at oil palm plantations and
\nfurniture manufacturers," said the company's director, Deddy
\nRosjidin.<\/p>\n
"Each man will receive 400 Malaysian ringgits (US$117) per
\nmonth, plus insurance coverage.<\/p>\n
They will also receive additional income for working
\novertime," he added.<\/p>\n
The idea of giving the former pedicab drivers the opportunity
\nto work in different fields was not the first proposal submitted
\nto the city administration. Yet, Tuesday's offer was the first of
\nits kind to send them abroad.<\/p>\n
Several labor agencies earlier proposed that they be trained
\nto start their new lives by working as ice cream and soft drink
\nsellers, parking attendants, security officers and technicians.<\/p>\n
Muhayat said the city administration would provide its
\nvocational training facility (BLK) in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta,
\nto be used as a training center.<\/p>\n
"We'll provide the required training subjects, including the
\nfacilities, for the workers before they are sent to Malaysia. The
\ncompany, in turn, should provide Rp 2 million per person for the
\nformer drivers' expenses during the one-month training period,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
"The city administration and the company will not charge the
\nworkers a single cent during the training period.<\/p>\n
"But the company may cut their monthly salaries to compensate
\nfor spending during the training period. However, the scheme's
\nofficials must be informed and it must be completely explained to
\nthe workers," he added. (nvn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/proposal-lauded-to-send-ex-becak-drivers-abroad-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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