Protection of labor abroad

From Media Indonesia

We are deeply concerned about the fate of our women laborers in Saudi Arabia. Soleha was beheaded recently for having killed her employer. Nasiroh is more fortunate in having her capital punishment revoked although her offense was said to be similar.

We do not know whether it was a question of premeditated murder or other factors were the cause. These are two cases we know about. How many cases have not been reported?

As a nation we need to reflect. We meaning the government, the community and the recruiting company. There are at least three sides responsible.

First, the Ministry of Manpower is the most responsible because they decide on the policy, planning and recruitment of workers going abroad. They ignore the protection of Indonesian laborers abroad. Second, the Indonesian embassy in the country where the Indonesians work does not sufficiently respond to the problems of the workers and lacks coordination with that country's agencies. Third, the companies acting as intermediary for the recruitment of Indonesian workers only think of making profits and neglect the rights of the Indonesian workers. They only tempt people with jobs abroad and give no protection to them before, during and after the work period.

ABDUL AZIZ WILENG

Jakarta