Tangerang fights against red tape for foreign workers

Multa Fidrus, Tangerang

The Tangerang regental manpower agency will file a judicial review at the Supreme Court to fight a ministerial decree stripping it of the power to issue work permits to foreigners.

Agency head Apon Suryana said on Wednesday the decree, which transferred the authority to the provincial government, was only tying up foreign workers in more red tape. The decree came into effect in May.

"Tangerang is not the only regency that will take legal action -- many authorities consider the new policy is against the spirit of regional autonomy as stipulated in Law No. 22/1999 on regional administrations," he said.

Decree No. 20/2004 signed by Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea gives the provincial administration the power to issue permits to foreigners working in its jurisdiction and to foreign workers that cross into the regency's territory.

The applicants first have to obtain a recommendation from the regency administration where the company is located for the permit.

The regency's plan to fight the move has gained support from 200 industrial firms in the area that employ foreign workers.

During a meeting at the administration's office in Tigaraksa on Wednesday, representatives of the companies said the new policy had posed numerous difficulties for the 699 foreign workers they employed.

"The businesspeople said the new decree had forced them to travel to the provincial capital and spend more on illegal fees," Apon said.

Each worker is charged US$100 per month for a permit, a cost that is often picked up by their employers.

Besides being complicated, the new policy also hindered the regency administration from properly monitoring the foreign workers, he said.

"If foreigners fail to meet the deadlines to extend their permits, they are now immediately deported to their home countries by the provincial administration. So far, my office is still checking on companies employing foreign workers and holding routine evaluations," Apon said.

A. Nainggolan, a member of the Tangerang chapter of the Indonesian Businessmen Association (APINDO) said he opposed the ministerial decree.

"The decree means the central government intends to rule out regional autonomy and centralize the power once again.

"The government should not have a tight grip on minor administrative matters like work permits because regional administrations actually know more about the manpower and industries in their respective jurisdictions," he said.