Suppliers of workers elect leader

JAKARTA (JP): Anthon Sihombing has been elected as the chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Organization of Indonesian Manpower Suppliers (HP2TKI) for the 1994-1999 term.

The election of Anthon in a one-day conference was attended by 60 participants on Friday. M. Idrus was chosen as the chapter's secretary and Abdul Madjid as treasurer.

Tantyo AP Sudharmono, general chairman of the association, denied reports that the organization was part of the Association of the Indonesian Manpower Suppliers.

HP2TKI was legally established in May, 1993, with the aim of improving the quality of Indonesian workers being sent abroad.

Tantyo said his organization so far has 18 branches operating throughout the country.

Next year the Jakarta chapter of the organization will cooperate with the city administration in collecting data on the number of house maids working in the city, Anthon said.

The data is required to check on the rates earned by maids. It is also vital so the organization can study the type of labor rights required by maids.

Under its long-term program, the chapter will hold training courses for Indonesian workers to enable them to meet the requirements of the foreign manpower market. (hhr)