Nirmala's ordeal outrages families

Yemris Fointuna, Kupang

Overnight, her harrowing tale of abuse has made her a household name in this country and Malaysia, something she would never have expected when she set off as a migrant worker in June 2003.

Perhaps Nirmala Bonet's only hope now is to return home from Malaysia, where she is at the center of an abuse scandal that has shocked the country, to be with her loved ones. For not only have her dreams been shattered, but she has suffered unspeakable pain at the hands of her employers.

Back in Nirmala's hometown in Tuapakas subdistrict in East Nusa Tenggara, friends and family tell the story of a kindly, healthy young woman who bore little resemblance to the horrific images of her battered face today.

For the people close to her, Nirmala is a hard worker, diligent and possessing a good sense of humor. They hope that her spirit has survived the trauma of her Malaysian experiences.

Born to farmers Daniel Bonet and Martha Tony, Nirmala graduated from junior high school and set about helping her family make ends meet.

Her decision to become a migrant worker in Malaysia came because she could not earn enough for her family, who live 150 kilometers east of the capital of East Nusa Tenggara, working at a restaurant, Abadi, in Kupang.

Friends describe her as polite, helpful and a loyal companion; they would be shocked at the tale of a conniving and thieving housemaid from her former employers when they attempted to rebut the abuse allegations last Saturday.

Anna Tell, who worked with Nirmala at the restaurant, recalled her last meeting with the young woman in late May 2003 when a relative picked up Nirmala to take her to a religious gathering.

"Nirmala once told me that one of her relatives who worked as a housemaid in Malaysia earned quite a big salary. But she did not show any signs of following in her relative's footsteps. When she finally went to Malaysia I was surprised," said Anna.

Nirmala's uncle Daniel Bire said in Kupang that he met his niece shortly before she left for Malaysia last year.

"At that time, Nirmala was still working at the restaurant. She often came here during her free time. She will do anything as long as she gets money to help her family at home," said Daniel.

After finishing junior high school, Nirmala wanted to pursue further education but her parents discouraged her because of their difficult financial situation.

"She sent letters on two occasions since she went to Malaysia, but none of them was frank, let alone telling about being tortured. So we didn't reply to her letters because we believed that she was doing fine in her new situation in Malaysia.

"Although I regret it now (not replying to the letters) because she had to face the misery of living with heartless strangers all alone."

On May 17, a security guard found Nirmala crying outside her employer's apartment. She had burn marks all over her body, from her back, inner thighs to her breasts. Her face was swollen and bruised.

Malaysian officials swiftly handled the situation amid a public outcry after Nirmala's photo was published in local newspapers. Even Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said he was shocked and outraged at the injuries allegedly inflicted on her.

"It is shameful; it is despicable and it is painful for Malaysians to see another human being tortured like this," the New Straits Times quoted Abdullah as saying.

Nirmala's employers denied the allegations and said the injuries were self-inflicted.

Nirmala is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur while her parents hope the legal procedures will proceed quickly so their daughter can return home.

Nirmala was sent to Malaysia by PT Kurnia Bina Rizki in Kupang, an Indonesian Manpower Service (PJTKI) company, registered in the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration.

Chairman of the local PJTKI branch Abraham Liyanto confirmed that the company was an accredited firm.

"PT Kurnia Bina Rizki is an official company registered with the PJTKI and the Indonesian Manpower Service Association (AJTKI), NTT branch," he said.

As a housemaid's employer is ultimately responsible for her care, he strongly condemned her employer's alleged mistreatment. He said Nirmala should be fully compensated, including for medical expenses, for her suffering.

Nirmala's heart-wrenching tale of abuse is nothing new in garnering headlines. But too often the matters are quietly settled out of court, and nothing is done to remedy the situation.

Let's hope that it does not happen again, and all of those involved learn their lesson from Nirmala's pain.