Returning workers told to be discreet with cash<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): City councilors are encouraging Indonesians
\nreturning from work assignments abroad to travel cash-light to
\nbetter escape extortionists lurking around the Soekarno-Hatta
\nairport.<\/p>\n
\"They can carry just a small amount of money to buy food and
\ncover transportation expenses but they would be better off
\ntransferring most of their money to the nearest bank in their
\nhometowns,\" said Fauzie Ibrahim, a member of the City Council
\nCommission C which is in charge of financial affairs, early this
\nweek.<\/p>\n
\"I think they could use Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) since it
\nhas branches in every regency,\" Fauzie added.<\/p>\n
A similar statement was made by Hasan Dasy, a member of
\nCommission B which handles economic affairs.<\/p>\n
\"The scheme will protect them from the notorious extortionists
\nwho used to prey on returning workers,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Hasan said that he will attempt to persuade the manpower
\nministry to follow his advice.<\/p>\n
So far, some of the manpower supply companies (PJTKI) which
\nare responsible for sending the workers abroad have faced closer
\nscrutiny for allegedly oppressing the workers.<\/p>\n
Kompas daily reported yesterday that every departing or
\nreturning worker was pressured into paying between Rp 1.5 million
\n(US$694) and Rp 2 million to the agencies that sent them abroad.<\/p>\n
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono said on
\nTuesday that at least 30 people, including four military
\nofficers, have been detained for extorting workers at the
\nairport.<\/p>\n
He said that 250 military officers and 50 policemen have been
\ndeployed to crack down on extortionists.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Minister of Manpower indicated during his
\ninspection tour at Soekarno-Hatta airport on Tuesday that his
\nministry will not involve manpower exporting companies in the
\narrival process.<\/p>\n
He also said that his ministry and Garuda Indonesia, the
\nstate-owned airline company, will arrange a new integrated scheme
\nto organize the workers' departures, arrivals and transport to
\ntheir hometowns.<\/p>\n
\"The scheme is expected to protect the workers from
\nextortion,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Hasan also said that the ministry should review its policy on
\nthe companies because of their negative behavior.<\/p>\n
\"Their role should be reduced because they have treated the
\nworkers like a commodity,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said that the companies should protect the workers because
\nthey are not shielded under the protection of the All-Indonesian
\nWorkers Union (SPSI).<\/p>\n
Hasan's statement was approved by Fauzi, who is also the vice
\nchairman of the Jakarta chapter of SPSI, who added that the union
\nonly protects workers employed in formal sectors. (03)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/returning-workers-told-to-be-discreet-with-cash-1447893297",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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