Worker export companies shut down in E. Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Jakarta Police and officials from the Ministry of Manpower raided several worker export companies in East Jakarta on Sunday, making six arrests, an officer said on Monday.

Officers released from shelters operated by the companies 134 women who were waiting to be sent abroad to work as housemaids.

The women are now staying at the City Social Agency's shelter in Ciracas, East Jakarta, Jakarta Police detective chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said.

"The suspects were allegedly managing shelters without a license. They can be charged under Law No. 39/2004 on the recruitment of migrant workers," he said.

The law carries a minimum sentence of two years in jail and a maximum sentence of 10 years.

The suspects were identified as the managers of shelters operated by PT DT in Kramat Jati, PT ST and PT DT in Condet, and PT JA in Bale Kambang.

Police said the four companies planned to send the women to countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain.

The women paid between Rp 700,000 (US$77.70) and Rp 1.5 million each to secure a placement overseas. They have been in the shelters for about a month awaiting their departure, Salempang said.

He added that the police had not received any complaints from the women about abusive treatment during their stay in the shelters.