Protecting migrant workers

Protecting migrant workers

From Republika

Even though the year 2001 is drawing to a close the fate of Indonesian migrant workers remains doubtful. Uncertainty over the return of the late Chosiah binti Hosnan's body and the uncertain fate of Siti Zaenab, now on death row, prove the government's lack of seriousness in dealing with the matter.

Chosiah's body has been detained in Saudi Arabia for more than a year. The cause of her death and her killer have yet to be found. Siti Zaenab's fate is also uncertain, as there is no clear information about when she will be executed.

Therefore, the Consortium of Defenders of Indonesian Migrant Workers (Kopbumi) urges the government to: 1. Change its viewpoint on Indonesian migrant workers, who have been regarded as mere commodities over the years; 2. Give clear and honest information about the Chosiah and Siti Zaenab cases; 3. Immediately make an effort to bring Chosiah's body home and take legal action over her death; 4. Defend, diplomatically or legally, Siti Zaenab, who has been given the death sentence; 5. Immediately settle cases involving Indonesian migrant workers and take stern measures against worker-recruiting companies that violate the human rights of Indonesian migrant workers; 6. Issue a law on the protection of Indonesian migrant workers and their family members.

WAHYU SUSILO

Secretary

Kopbumi Executives

Jakarta