JP/7/LET81.LEI

JP/7/LET81.LEI

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