TKW policy ignores MUI

TKW policy ignores MUI

From Republika

The government's policy on Indonesian women migrant workers
(TKW) has failed to consider the ruling issued by the Indonesian
Ulema Council in 2000, despite the country's Muslim majority.

In making decisions about TKWs, the government only takes into
account of economic aspects of placement, while its consequences
on individual workers, their families and the nation are
apparently overlooked.

Migrant workers get minimum protection abroad, almost none in
some countries. TKW's education levels and ability to defend
themselves are very low, whereas the placement system is
inadequate to enable them gain equal legal status.

Under such circumstances, sending TKWs, particularly as
domestic servants, still gives wide opportunity for the practice
of forced labor and slavery.

ZUBAIDAH
Jakarta