Returning workers told to be discreet with cash
Returning workers told to be discreet with cash
JAKARTA (JP): City councilors are encouraging Indonesians
returning from work assignments abroad to travel cash-light to
better escape extortionists lurking around the Soekarno-Hatta
airport.
"They can carry just a small amount of money to buy food and
cover transportation expenses but they would be better off
transferring most of their money to the nearest bank in their
hometowns," said Fauzie Ibrahim, a member of the City Council
Commission C which is in charge of financial affairs, early this
week.
"I think they could use Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) since it
has branches in every regency," Fauzie added.
A similar statement was made by Hasan Dasy, a member of
Commission B which handles economic affairs.
"The scheme will protect them from the notorious extortionists
who used to prey on returning workers," he said.
Hasan said that he will attempt to persuade the manpower
ministry to follow his advice.
So far, some of the manpower supply companies (PJTKI) which
are responsible for sending the workers abroad have faced closer
scrutiny for allegedly oppressing the workers.
Kompas daily reported yesterday that every departing or
returning worker was pressured into paying between Rp 1.5 million
(US$694) and Rp 2 million to the agencies that sent them abroad.
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono said on
Tuesday that at least 30 people, including four military
officers, have been detained for extorting workers at the
airport.
He said that 250 military officers and 50 policemen have been
deployed to crack down on extortionists.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Manpower indicated during his
inspection tour at Soekarno-Hatta airport on Tuesday that his
ministry will not involve manpower exporting companies in the
arrival process.
He also said that his ministry and Garuda Indonesia, the
state-owned airline company, will arrange a new integrated scheme
to organize the workers' departures, arrivals and transport to
their hometowns.
"The scheme is expected to protect the workers from
extortion," he said.
Hasan also said that the ministry should review its policy on
the companies because of their negative behavior.
"Their role should be reduced because they have treated the
workers like a commodity," he said.
He said that the companies should protect the workers because
they are not shielded under the protection of the All-Indonesian
Workers Union (SPSI).
Hasan's statement was approved by Fauzi, who is also the vice
chairman of the Jakarta chapter of SPSI, who added that the union
only protects workers employed in formal sectors. (03)