Inordinately emotional

In what seems to be a perennial issue, much of the public's attention in recent weeks has been fixed on the return of migrant workers from Malaysia. The latest move will see the forcible return of an estimated half-a-million Indonesian workers packed into ships before the end of the year.

An overwhelming majority of the deported workers are believed to be illegal migrants who either had no working permits to begin with or whose permits have expired.

Malaysia is traditionally a popular destination for many workers seeking employment. Due to its proximity, its similarity in language and environment, Indonesian workers find Malaysia an attractive alternative to the languishing Indonesian economy.

Many venture into open seas, succumbing to fraudulent labor recruiters and unscrupulous employers all for a quick buck, or in this case, a quick ringgit.

For years, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur have signed agreements, held talks and conducted joint actions to resolve the issue of illegal migrant workers. Nevertheless, the problem remains as chronic as ever.

The fact is that while Indonesia's economy falters, there will remain hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of people who will risk life and limb for such employment opportunities. No matter what the conditions and dangers they face as an illegal alien in a neighboring country, the benefits outweigh the risks of likely destitution at home.

But the numerous problems reported concerning migrant workers in recent years have slowly turned the matter into an emotional issue. It has been heated up further by growing reports of the alleged harassment of Indonesian workers by Malaysian employers and authorities.

We hear and read of media stories about Indonesian maids being abused, and of how Indonesian migrant shanties are being torn down and their inhabitants hunted like animals. Television stations recently carried "exclusive" interviews with workers -- claiming to be working legally in Malaysia -- who were wounded after Malaysian police allegedly shot immigrants while attempting to round up illegal aliens.

The saddest part of all is that we increasingly hear stories of how Indonesians, irrespective of their backgrounds, are being treated as and earning the reputation of second-class citizens.

It is concerning, and these stories only help to stir up emotions at home. While officials in both capitals confidently claim the issues will not strain the fundamental ties between the two countries, these events may carve deeper scars that could have a longer-term impact on perceptions than currently perceived.

Few nations are so culturally, ethnically and religiously linked as Malaysia and Indonesia. Conflicts and disputes should be placed in their context, and on a plane which can be mutually resolved.

We should not neglect the fact that the migrant worker issue is particularly sensitive in Indonesia. Diplomatic talks may smooth over the top-level tensions, but high-level issues are often beyond the emotional radar of the everyday person.

While Indonesians frequently mistreat one another, even the slightest mention of a fellow countryman being maltreated by a foreigner sets the blood boiling. Irrespective of the background and context, subjectivity takes over and the line between right and wrong, who's the victim and who's to blame, becomes blurred.

This is by no means trying to excuse the many truly despicable crimes that do take place against Indonesians abroad. The torture of maid Nirmala Bonat earlier this year is inexcusable, and the Malaysian courts quickly handed down a severe punishment to her employer.

What is needed is to place the issues that arise in context and to avoid unwarranted generalizations.

Human tragedies can bring out the best in people, but they often produce fallacious generalizations to those even remotely associated with the perceived offense.

The East Timor affair in 1999 was one example of how personal emotions boiled over as innocent Australians here, and Indonesians in Australia become targets of ire.

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack we also know how the actions of a few demented individuals stigmatized Muslims.

On the question of migrant workers, both sides have to work harder to ensure the safety, well-being and interests of all involved. The Malaysian and Indonesian governments have to continue to strive to keep this problem in check.

The bottom line is that there is a need for cheap labor on both sides because if there weren't, the stream of migrants would naturally subside. It is more of a case of problem management, rather than problem solving.

In that respect, we -- Malaysians and Indonesians -- should remember the source of the problem is in our own ranks. It is opportunists in both countries who exploit the innocence and ignorance of migrant workers.