One death too many

One death too many

The death of Darsih -- an Indonesian female worker -- in
Bandar Sri Begawan has added to the long list of deaths of
Indonesian workers working abroad. The Women's Solidarity for
Human Rights revealed on Dec. 10, 1996 that the Indonesian
workers' deaths were mysterious and were not properly dealt with.

Scores of workers were reported by the media to have died
abroad, but the real number might be greater than what was
reported. They worked in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong,
Saudi Arabia and other countries. Most of their deaths were due
to violent actions, torture, sexual harassment, bad working
conditions, accidents and unsafe travel.

What concerns us is the uncertainty and lack of information
surrounding their death. The efforts made by the families of the
respective victims to find information on the disaster have been
futile and the authorities have not helped. Moreover, the
Indonesian Embassy tends to cover up the cases, in the name of
harmonious relations with the countries concerned.

In this context, the Women's Solidarity for Human Rights has
called for closer cooperation with various parties to eliminate
or reduce cases of maltreatment of Indonesian workers abroad, by
focusing on the following matters:

1. The Indonesian government is expected to seriously handle the
cases of the female workers through a structural mechanism to
protect workers' rights. The measure could include ratification
of the 1990 International Convention concerning the protection of
workers' rights, under a bilateral agreement.

2. The law enforcing bodies are required to take stern measures
against the domestic suppliers which are linked to the death of
workers abroad.

3. The general public, media, social and religious organizations
and NGOs are required to cooperate to explore data and report
the deaths, and give a helping hand to families of the victims,
who try to fight for their rights.

WAHYU SUSILO

Jakarta