Protection of labor abroad

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