Sending workers abroad

Sending workers abroad

From Neraca

Recently, State Minister for Women Empowerment Khofifah Indar Parawansa, insisted that the sending of Indonesian workers (TKI) abroad, particularly women (TKW), mostly to be employed as maid servants, be discontinued. Considering the reasons, it appears that it was wise of the minister to prohibit TKW from being sent abroad.

The prohibition, however, has ignored the reality that lots of Indonesians -- the educated, the very well-educated, and those with very low education -- have been striving to work abroad. Why? Because at home they do not get paid well. By working abroad and transferring their money home, they would be able to help the government and their families overcome unemployment and poverty.

In my opinion, the government should review the prohibition as it just won't stop Indonesians from working abroad, instead it would force them to work abroad illegally and thus discredit Indonesia in the eyes of the international forum.

The best approach to the issue of TKI, in my opinion, would be to improve the skills and education of the those who are scheduled to work abroad rather than stopping them from going.

VICKEY VALENTINO

Jakarta