It`s about time. Twenty years ago, yes we did need to send (TKIs). But, our country is now different from 20 years ago, our nation has made good progress.Makassar, C Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Former vice president Jusuf Kalla has expressed appreciation for the government`s decision to impose a moratorium on the dispatch of migrant workers (TKIs) to Saudi Arabia.
The decision was in line with the national interest, Kalla, the chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), said here Thursday.
"It`s about time. Twenty years ago, yes we did need to send (TKIs). But, our country is now different from 20 years ago, our nation has made good progress," he said after attending the 57th anniversary of Indonesian Muslim University.
He, however, suggested that the moratorium be imposed on the dispatch of Indonesian women working as housemaids overseas, while those working in other professions such as nurses and construction workers, could continue.
"It`s about gender. But if female workers have skills as nurses, it`s okay. Meaning, we have to change the system," he said.
As a consequence of the moratorium, the government must create a lot of job opportunities at home , something the government does have the ability to do , Kalla said optimistically.
Kalla said one of the keys to create new jobs in Indonesia was by developing electricity infrastructures to generate more power.
Having adequate electricity supplies will automatically result in an increase in investment.
"The point is to develop electricity. If there is enough electricity supply, investors will come. I am sure we can give better salaries if our investment sector improves. There, the salary of our TKI is only Rp1.8 million, while our minimum regional salary is Rp1.2 million. It`s not much different," he said.
He also said the government should set up a legal aid team consisting of the country`s best lawyers to help troubled migrant workers overseas.
(F001)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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