Helping migrant women workers

From Kompas

We have read reports about the plight of Indonesian migrant women workers in Saudi Arabia and some other countries. I believe the government and the Indonesian labor recruitment companies are fully responsible for this matter.

The Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, the Office of the State Minister for the Empowerment of Women and the foreign ministry should come to the fore in defense of Indonesian citizens facing trouble abroad. They can provide these citizens with diplomatic assistance based on international law. Unfortunately, the Office of the State Minister for the Empowerment of Women has stayed away from the settlement of problems related to Indonesian migrant women workers.

Labor recruitment companies, which enjoy a commission for sending these workers abroad, should also provide legal defense for Indonesian (women) migrant workers facing trouble overseas.

The president of the Philippines has given a good example in this regard. She herself has come to the defense of Filipino citizens facing trouble abroad. The state should not simply draft new legislation. It must be remembered that part of the state's budget comes from the earnings of our migrant workers. It is only proper that the government helps them when they are in trouble.

PELFRAN AS

Surabaya