Language barrier

Language barrier

Bahasa Indonesia serves a unique position in this nation's
history. Not only does it function as a medium of communication,
but it has also became a unifier of the nation.

The language has been the bridge in uniting the many ethnic
groups, which have their own unique local language. By virtue of
the sheer size of Indonesia's population, Bahasa Indonesia is one
of the top five most spoken languages in the world.

Hence, it is such a shame that a language, which served as a
catalyst for unity, would be used to discriminate.

That will happen if the government persists in setting strict
language prerequisites on foreigners employed in Indonesia.

Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris has apparently followed a
plan, initially introduced some two years ago, to require Bahasa
Indonesia proficiency tests for expatriates working here.

The minister said the tests would be designed to reduce the
number of foreign workers in the country.

Fahmi is apparently afraid that Indonesian citizens will lose
out in the job market as the country, based on regional and
global trade arrangements, begins opening its doors to foreign
job seekers next year.

An understanding of local customs and culture, including its
language, is always preferable when anyone seeks employment in a
foreign country. The willingness of newcomers to learn such
things, not only shows respect toward the people of the host
nation, but will ultimately facilitate the transition and work of
that person on a daily basis.

But to introduce formal language requirements as a condition
to obtaining a work permit is an unnecessary, not to mention
unfair, condition.

Employment should be based on one's own skill and merit. If a
language requirement is so crucial that it does require a higher
degree of proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia, then those unable to
speak the language will automatically be filtered out.

Technical competence related to the field in question should
the be the single biggest consideration.

We believe that expats with a professional aptitude and those
that truly want to work in this country will, by their own
volition, seek to learn more about the prevailing norms and
customs, including the language. To do otherwise would only be
detrimental to his/her career here.

The government's plan only reveals a lack of self-confidence
and shows its perceptions about the poor standard of our
workforce.

The objective should not be protectionism, but instead to
engage in policies that would lift the quality of Indonesia's
workforce -- through education and training.

If we as a nation are only qualified as street sweepers, then
maybe that is what we should ultimately become. To blame others
who are more qualified to take jobs that most Indonesians could
not do anyway is petty.

It is our own fault that we have not, and still are not,
investing enough in education.

India is one developing country in which such an investment
must be lauded and emulated for consistently investing in that
sector despite the economic challenges.

There is nothing to be afraid of. With the right attitude and
determination, the climate of free competition will only make the
nation better.

Indonesia -- along with the likes of India and the Philippines
-- is a country that can actually benefit from the loosening of
restrictions on foreign employment. There are perhaps 10 times
more Indonesians working abroad than the some 130,000 expatriate
workers here.

What would happen, for example, if Indonesian migrant workers
going to the Middle East or Hong Kong were required to take a
language proficiency test in Arabic or Mandarin before being
granted a work permit?

It would not be an exaggeration to predict that almost all
would fail.

Since the government is seeking to boost the number of migrant
workers sent abroad, Jakarta should thus act with equal
reciprocity.

There are other means, many already in place, to control the
number of expatriates working in this country. Already
expatriates here pay much higher taxes than locals. When a
company requires the services of a capable foreigner, local
companies already have to justify their reasons for hiring an
expatriate.

Although Minister Fahmi Idris claims that the government is
not trying to discriminate, but this action belies his sincerity
and instead reveals an overly xenophobic outlook.