President opens new arrival terminal for migrant workers
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)