Migrant worker detained by agency

Evi Mariani, Jakarta

An underage migrant worker, Ani Kurnia Suparna, 16, has been detained at a recruitment agency boarding house in Kalideres, West Jakarta, for four months. The agency has demanded Rp 4.5 million (US$500) for her release.

Ani's aunt Laras Kusnadi reported the case to Jakarta Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

"I asked the agency to let me pick up Ani. She has to go home to Subang, West Java, as her mother is ill," she said. "But the agency said I had to pay Rp 4.5 million to take her."

Laras added the agency management -- whom she identified as PT BKW -- claimed the fee would cover medical expenses incurred by Ani.

Laras had earlier reported the case to the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration.

"An official at the ministry told me to file a report with the police. The agency may have violated the law on manpower by sending an underage girl to work abroad, and detaining her," Laras said.

The law stipulates that migrant workers must be over the age of 20.

The police confirmed the report had been filed, saying that based on an initial investigation the agency would probably be charged with violating Article 335 of the Criminal Code on unpleasant conduct.

From December 2003 to January 2004, Ani worked as a shop attendant in Malaysia. Laras said her niece had suffered swollen legs from long hours standing, and her employer had sent her back to the agency in Indonesia.

Laras said she had visited Ani, who seemed to be in good health, at the shelter several times. She claimed she could not come up with the money and nor could Ani's family in Subang.