"We (the KSP) will communicate with the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for the RUU PPRT Task Force's formation for discussion on the bill to be accelerated," Moeldoko expounded.
During the 2004-2021 period, the Domestic Worker Protection Bill was included several times in the list of National Legislation Programs. In 2020, the bill was extensively discussed in the Legislative Body and was about to enter the stage of the Deliberative Assembly.
However, no decision had yet been taken on whether this bill will be an initiative bill to be passed into law.
According to Moeldoko, the discussion and passage of a bill often have to go a long way, which is not always in line with the people's expectations.
To this end, he emphasized the importance of communication and coordination across related parties.
Furthermore, he ensured that the Presidential Staff Office had responded to developments pertaining to the PPRT Bill by communicating with society and holding coordination meetings with the relevant ministries and institutions.
"The KSP seriously pays attention to the RUU PPRT, as the number of domestic workers is more than four million. Thus, it significantly needs attention from the government and the public," he stressed.
On the same occasion, Eva K. Sundari from Institut Sarinah, an organization that fights for gender equality and women's empowerment, emphasized that the government's support was urgently needed for passage of the bill.
Related news: RI-Malaysia finalise MoU on protection of migrant domestic workers
Sundari highlighted the Sexual Violence Prevention Bill (RUU TPKS) that garnered prompt response from the House of Representatives after President Joko Widodo had delivered a speech on the significance of the passage of the bill.
"Endorsement from Mr. President is crucial for the RUU PPRT to be a concern of the House," she stated.
Sundari also revealed that every year, domestic workers continued to experience "modern slavery practices," such as improper pay, exploitation, and physical and sexual violence.
"The RUU PPRT will also help the government to protect domestic workers abroad," she remarked.
Related news: MPR deputy speaker optimistic of MPs completing bills in 2022
Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
