RI to phase out 'export' of unfit workers<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The government is encouraging the \"export\" of
\nskilled workers, and phasing out the sending of untrained
\nlaborers to boost Indonesia's image as a free country.<\/p>\n
\"We need...to safeguard our dignity as a nation,\" President
\nSoeharto said when opening a national coordination meeting on
\nexport of manpower.<\/p>\n
The President said that although labor export has undoubtedly
\nbenefited both the workers, their families and the country, it
\nhas also brought about various problems.<\/p>\n
Unskilled workers, the President said, are often embroiled in
\ntroubles that stem from their inability to defend their rights.<\/p>\n
The group of 250 manpower suppliers, government officials,
\ndiplomats and economic experts will discuss the legal protection,
\ninsurance, labor export strategy, training and placement of
\nworkers.<\/p>\n
The three-day congress is expected to come out with
\nrecommendations on how to make the export of labor Indonesia's
\nbiggest sources of foreign exchange.<\/p>\n
The government has projected that an estimated 2.5 million
\npeople will be working overseas in the year 2000, contributing
\nabout US$12.5 billion in foreign exchange a year.<\/p>\n
Currently, about 800,000 Indonesians, mostly unskilled, work
\nlegally overseas, notably in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Those
\nworking illegally are believed to number several hundred
\nthousand.<\/p>\n
Soeharto asked the participants to pay special attention to
\nthe legal protection to Indonesian workers abroad. \"We know that
\nnot all countries have clear-cut rules on this issue.\"<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Manpower should look into the possibility of
\nopening a representative office in countries where many
\nIndonesians are employed, to help make sure that their rights are
\nrespected, the President suggested.<\/p>\n
Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said yesterday that
\nIndonesia meant to phase out the export of domestic maids. In the
\nfuture, only trained workers would be licensed to work abroad in
\nthe industrial and service sectors, he said.<\/p>\n
\"The labor export strategy will be adjusted for higher
\nsalaries and the diversification of the market,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said that Indonesia would expand its labor market from its
\n\"traditional markets\" -- Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan
\nand Middle Eastern countries -- to Europe, the United States,
\nAustralia, Japan, South Korea and Africa.<\/p>\n
Figures at the Manpower Ministry show that between April 1,
\n1993 and February 1996, Indonesia exported 284,000 workers. They
\nare expected to bring home US$900 million every year.<\/p>\n
Critics have long demanded that the government stop exporting
\nunskilled workers that mostly ended up becoming maids or drivers.<\/p>\n
There have been reports of cases of sexual and physical abuse
\nthat the maids experience in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
Latief told labor suppliers not to treat workers like slaves.
\nHe said the companies should pay attention to their well-being
\nand legal protection while they work abroad.<\/p>\n
He stressed the need for proper vocational training for
\nworkers to be sent abroad.<\/p>\n
Manpower suppliers should have their own training centers and
\nthey will have access to credit from state-owned banks to carry
\nout training programs.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto
\nsaid the Indonesian education system should be revamped to allow
\npeople to obtain practical skills.<\/p>\n
In addition, the private sector should play a bigger role in
\nthe development of human resources, he added.<\/p>\n
\"All schools and universities should cooperate with the
\nprivate sector to produce skilled graduates. Skills are more
\nimportant than academic titles,\" he said. (rmspan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-to-phase-out-export-of-unfit-workers-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}