Illegal workers

Illegal workers

From Kompas

There are many Indonesian workers toiling illegally in
Malaysia. They were forced to resort to their present status
because they lacked the financial means to enter Malaysia the
conventional way. Several families I met in Kota Kajang, at a 5-
day seminar held in Malaysia, told me all about it.

They told about the grueling sea journey, and about the time
they landed on Malaysian shores. They nearly drowned at sea every
time their small boat was beleaguered by giant waves. They landed
at about 3 a.m. local time.

They left their hometown, Kendal, since it no longer offered
them a future. It was impossible to find work, while they owned
no land to farm on. The only way left for them was to cross to
Malaysia, even if it meant risking their lives, in order to
search for greater work opportunities.

It might be best for these illegal Indonesian workers in
Malaysia to stay there permanently. In Indonesia, they would only
live a deprived life, which would again force them to return to
Malaysia.

The Indonesian government should be willing to help them with
arranging the necessary papers. Support from the Ministry of
Manpower, in this case, would be quite appreciated.

F. PUDIYANTO S.

Jakarta