Death sentence for servants

Death sentence for servants

From Republika

An Indonesian migrant worker, Rohana, could face the death penalty for allegedly killing her employer in Singapore, according to a report on July 4. In March 2004, two other domestic servants, Juminem and Siti Aminah, were also charged with murder in that country.

There are other such cases involving Indonesian women working abroad. Apart from their motives, these unskilled workers sought overseas jobs as servants to increase their income or to make a living after their husbands and fathers had lost their jobs.

In Islam, it is permissible for women to work as long as they do not ignore their duties as housewives and mothers, because their husbands are actually obliged to earn a living. Likewise, girls should maintain their self-esteem and be supported by their fathers.

The public welfare created by an Islamic system of administration makes it unnecessary for women to work.

RATNI KARTINI Bogor, West Java