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