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The Commitment to Earthquake Victims should not Overlook Indonesian Migrant Workers Abroad from Yogyakarta-Central Java
The earthquake that recently hit Yogyakarta-Central Java and surroundings has caused much sorrow, trauma, suffering, hunger, homelessness, deaths of loved ones and a slew of other tragedies. Many have shown their solidarity in numerous ways. The Indonesian government and various members of civil society have responded to the emergency according to the capacity of each. Aid from the international community has also come in spades.
It should not be forgotten that Yogyakarta (Bantul, Sleman, Kulon Progo and Gunung Kidul) and surrounding areas (Klaten, Boyolali, Magelang, Purworejo, Sukoharjo, Ponorogo, Pacitan, etc.) are places of origin for many migrant workers. The tragedy that has befallen communities in Yogyakarta and its surroundings is also a calamity for Indonesian migrant workers abroad who hail from these regions.
Many states that are destination countries for Indonesian migrant workers have given aid for earthquake victims in Yogyakarta and surroundings. Malaysia , Singapore , Japan , Korea , Taiwan , Canada , Kuwait , Saudi Arabia , and the United Arab Emirates are among those nations that have provided quite substantial financial donations. May their commitment to communities in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas be matched by commitment to Indonesian migrant workers from Yogyakarta and surroundings who work in these countries.
In light of the aforementioned facts, Migrant CARE urges:
- Representatives of the Indonesian government (embassies and consulates) in all countries to open telephone hotlines for Indonesian migrant workers from Yogyakarta and surroundings to act as information sources for migrant workers needing news of their families’ condition after the earthquake.
- Countries that have committed to helping earthquake victims in Yogyakarta and surroundings to also manifest their commitment to Indonesian migrant workers from Yogyakarta and surroundings who are still working overseas, by providing access to communication with their families or the chance to return to Indonesia.
Jakarta , June 1, 2006
Anis Hidayah
Director
Nining
Advocacy Division
Migrant CARE
Perhimpunan Indonesia untuk Buruh Migran Berdaulat
Indonesian Association for Sovereign Migrant Workers
(Member of Migrant Forum in Asia and International NGO Platform on Migrant Workers' Convention)
Jl. Pulo Asem I C No. 15 RT 015 RW 001 Kel. Jati, Kec. Pulo Gadung, Jakarta Timur Indonesia
Telp/Fax: 62-21-4752803
E-mail: migrantcare@nusa.or.id
Website: www.buruhmigranberdaulat.blogspot.com
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