Aryani believes the commitment to protect the Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia will be more optimal after the meeting of the two leaders of the countries.
"The meeting of the two leaders provided a step forward. There appears to be a strong commitment from Malaysia to place the issue of PMI protection as a priority issue," Aryani stated here on Tuesday.
"However, this commitment must be followed with consistency, not only from Malaysia but also from Indonesia," she further noted.
Aryani assessed that Malaysia remains committed to ensuring protection guarantees for the migrant workers from all forms of unfair treatment, violence, discrimination, and other inhumane handling.
She reminded that this commitment must be carried out consistently by the two leaders to really improve the recruitment system up to the workers' departure.
Aryani views the political commitment echoed by Anwar Ibrahim as a good opportunity for Indonesia to make optimal arrangements for sending the Indonesian migrant workers to Malaysia, including the implementation of the "One Channel System" for recruitment and placement.
"Malaysia already knows this. Regarding Indonesia's position, Malaysia has a very large dependence on PMI. Therefore, this is an opportunity for Indonesia to make serious improvements," she stated.
After the meeting of the two leaders, Aryani stressed the importance of implementation and consistency of protection efforts for PMI.
Once there is a clear political commitment, she underlined the need for implementation and consistency as part of the follow-up.
"Indonesia and Malaysia both need to show serious commitment to eradicating the mafia practice of sending PMI illegally. This is the root of the problem that must be resolved. Without that, the commitment of the two leaders will not have any impact," she said.
After President Jokowi's meeting with PM Anwar, Aryani expressed optimism that recruitment and placement practices through "rogue" agents would be eradicated completely.
She stressed that Indonesia and Malaysia should jointly ensure that the recruitment and placement system through the "One Channel System" really works and that there are no more illegal PMI departure routes.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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