Inordinately emotional

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.