"Indonesian government representatives in Saudi Arabia still need to do better in providing assistance in accordance with the procedures to Indonesian citizens who are in trouble with the local law," Agung said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono asked Indonesian government representatives in Saudi Arabia to assist Indonesian citizens there who are facing problems with the law.

"Indonesian government representatives in Saudi Arabia still need to do better in providing assistance in accordance with the procedures to Indonesian citizens who are in trouble with the local law," Agung said here Tuesday.

He made the statement especially in view of the fact that a number of Indonesian migrant workers (TKIs) in Saudi Arabia were still being prosecuted or facing severe penalties.

"This needs to be done so that no more Indonesian citizen needs to meet the same fate as Ruyati, the migrant worker who was beheaded for murder recently," he said.

Agung also said Indonesian government representatives in Saudi Arabia had already done their best in Ruyati`s case.

Court explained that the problems faced by Ruyati was a criminal case in which she was brought to trial for murder of a Saudi Arabian woman.

"Ruyati herself has admitted that she had killed the woman, which caused her the beheading punishment," he said.

In Saudi Arabia, death penalty such as beheading can be carried out if the victim`s family does not forgive the suspect of a murder case, Agung said.

"Not that the government does not provide protection, but there are laws imposing such punishment if the murder victim`s family does not forgive the perpetrator," he said.

Agung also hopes that the Ruyati case can be taken in proportional measures because the government had indeed made the best efforts.

"However, this case indeed would be a good lesson for us all, for the government, for communities, workers and suppliers to the company for the workers and prospective workers," he said.

The minister also hoped that the case could be an attempt to improve the readiness of migrant workers before departure both physical and mental terms.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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