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