Proposal lauded to send ex-becak drivers abroad
Proposal lauded to send ex-becak drivers abroad
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso welcomed on Tuesday a
proposal, the first of its kind, to send some 300 former becak
(pedicab) drivers, to work at plantations and furniture
manufacturers in neighboring Malaysia.
"The most important thing is that the former becak drivers
receive comprehensive information about the types of jobs and
their salaries," Sutiyoso said as quoted by city administration
spokesman Muhayat.
"They must also be accompanied by an advocacy team to ensure
their basic legal rights while working abroad," he said.
The governor's approval was voiced in a meeting at City Hall
with executives of PT Glorious Victory, a labor agency which
proposes the export of the former pedicab drivers.
"We will send them to work at oil palm plantations and
furniture manufacturers," said the company's director, Deddy
Rosjidin.
"Each man will receive 400 Malaysian ringgits (US$117) per
month, plus insurance coverage.
They will also receive additional income for working
overtime," he added.
The idea of giving the former pedicab drivers the opportunity
to work in different fields was not the first proposal submitted
to the city administration. Yet, Tuesday's offer was the first of
its kind to send them abroad.
Several labor agencies earlier proposed that they be trained
to start their new lives by working as ice cream and soft drink
sellers, parking attendants, security officers and technicians.
Muhayat said the city administration would provide its
vocational training facility (BLK) in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta,
to be used as a training center.
"We'll provide the required training subjects, including the
facilities, for the workers before they are sent to Malaysia. The
company, in turn, should provide Rp 2 million per person for the
former drivers' expenses during the one-month training period,"
he said.
"The city administration and the company will not charge the
workers a single cent during the training period.
"But the company may cut their monthly salaries to compensate
for spending during the training period. However, the scheme's
officials must be informed and it must be completely explained to
the workers," he added. (nvn)