President opens new arrival terminal for migrant workers
JAKARTA (JP): "Welcome home to the heroes of foreign exchange," read a banner as President B.J. Habibie inaugurated Terminal Three at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday.
In his report to the President presented during the ceremony, Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris said the operation of the designated arrival terminal for returning migrant workers was aimed at providing greater protection for them from extortionists and swindlers operating at the airport.
The minister said the operation of the terminal, located at the former site of the Indonesian Air Show held in June 1996, was urgently needed because at least 600 workers arrived at the airport daily.
The airport's other terminals are designated for domestic flights and for the Indonesian flag carrier Garuda and international airlines.
The new terminal provides immigration facilities, a money changer and ticket booths for land transport to several cities in Java. However, the building is only equipped with fans and one worker likened the temperature in the building to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, a major destination for Indonesian workers.
Similar facilities also are planned at Adi Sumarmo Airport in the Central Java town of Surakarta and the Juanda Airport in Surabaya. "Migrant workers face many problems upon their arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport regarding their transportation," Fahmi said.
The President expressed deep concern over tragic experiences of workers abroad and of one upon their arrival home. Many have reported rape and abuse by employers and agents. Several families have charged their daughters died in mysterious circumstances during service abroad.
"We are obliged to ensure protection for Indonesian workers, including when they return home," the President said, noting their contribution to their families and the country.
About 1.2 million overseas workers send home about US$3.5 million annually. Fahmi has said the number of illegal workers, including in Malaysia, also was quite high.
About 100 migrants workers, mostly from Saudi Arabia, attended the ceremony upon their arrival home. A worker said they were asked to wait for the President's arrival.
Indarwati from Jember, East Java, cried when an official read a prayer for the safety and prosperity of the workers. She said she remembered how her employers in Al Qassim Buraidoh, Saudi Arabia, forced her to work a minimum 18-hour day.
"I had no time to rest ... I will never go back," said the 26- year-old worker who received 700 Saudi rial per month. She said she worked for two years.
Rosita said she lost a finger when using a washing machine at her employer's home in Jeddah. Rosita said she chose to return to her village in Tulungagung, East Java, but her employer refused to pay her compensation.
"I used my own money to buy the ticket home," she said.
Susi Permata Sari, 29, said she could only work for one month because she could not stand the daily beatings by her employer.
"The minister said the government would protect us but I have to pay Rp 175,000 ($20)," Susi complained about the bus fare to Cilacap, Central Java.
The President asked about 20 workers whether they were satisfied with their income and working conditions. Most of those who worked in Saudi Arabia said they did not plan to return. Several others said they worked for good employers.
A couple from East Java told the President they could save at least Rp 33 million per year while working in Saudi Arabia. The husband worked as a driver and his wife as a maid.
"We even can perform our haj pilgrimage, Pak," the man said. Many workers cite the goal of going on the pilgrimage among their reasons for seeking jobs in the Middle East. (prb)