"Some 117 migrant workers are facing the death penalty in Malaysia, 20 in China, 17 in Saudi Arabia and two in Singapore," the director of Indonesian citizens` protection and legal entities of the ministry of foreign affairs, Tatang Razak, said in a discussion on "Protection of Migrant Workers Abroad" at ANTARA Journalistic Photo Gallery Cafe in Pasar Baru here on Friday.
He said it was possible for the workers to be acquitted if they were found not guilty in the legal process that could last for up to two years.
He said most of the workers were involved in narcotic cases, murder or illegal arms possession.
"We will continue following their cases so that the problem could be settled," he said.
According to data in 2010 the foreign ministry through its representative offices abroad handled 15,766 cases and until March this year it has handled 1,482 cases.
"The foreign ministry has never stayed idle with regard to migrant workers` problems," he said.
He said (from 1999-2011) the ministry had been able to prevent 32 Indonesian migrant workers from being given a death penalty and acquit 24 others in Malaysia, prevent nine in China from a death penalty and acquit three and prevent six others from a death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
He said strategic efforts had to be made to assure protection of Indonesian migrant workers abroad such as through preventive measures like education, health clearance and correct documentation and early detection of problems.
According to data, total Indonesians abroad at present reach 3,353,631 consisting of 2,029,528 migrant workers, 269,400 professional workers, 198,461 ship crew, 660,748 students and 190,496 citizens who married foreigners.
"The laborers work as construction and plantations workers and maids," Tatang said.
The chief of the National Agency for the Protection and Placement of Workers (BNP2TKI), Jumhur Hidayat, said around 80 percent of migrant workers` problems abroad was caused by domestic problems such as "lack of employment and urban-oriented development efforts. He said it was hoped the problems would not happen again in the future.
He said Indonesians who wish to work abroad must understand things like their right and obligations, the language and culture of the countries where they work and must also have skills to assure their protection.
(Uu.H-YH/HAJMB003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
