KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — An Indonesian workers’ association in Malaysia has offered to help clear the air on the negative perception of the Indonesian media towards the situation of Indonesian workers here.
The leader of the Bocahe Dewe Association, Ambar Setyo Wibowo said he was willing to assist efforts by authorities, including the Human Resource and Home Ministry, to brief the actual situation and help quash the negative perception of the Indonesian media.
“If possible, I want to brief them the actual situation so as to correct whatever negative perceptions that may have been overzealously exaggerated.
“I represent Indonesia workers here and wish to thank the Malaysian government in providing job opportunities under a conducive and safe environment while our welfare is always given priority,” he told Bernama here.
Ambar believes such allegations were the work of a small irresponsible group that was jealous of the cordial relationship between the two countries which had helped provide a prosperous economic growth on both sides.
“Workers, especially Indonesian workers have always been treated well without any discrimination,” he said.
He added that the small group that staged an Anti-Malaysia protest in Indonesia was also the work of a small number of people and does not echo the feelings or perception of millions of Indonesians, adding it would not be able to shake the friendship of the two nations.
“These are issues raised by people who do not know the actual situation here. They merely fuel negative sentiments by instigation through false allegations,” he said.
Ambar who is also the vice president of the Indonesian government’s supporters club said he also hoped to see Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his visit to Malaysia next Wednesday.
“Under the association, we have 28,000 registered members who are working in Malaysia and another 5,000 who are working in Singapore. So, I hope to meet and brief the president on the real issues,” he said.
Susilo has chosen Malaysia as the first country for his official visit on Nov 11, after being sworn in as Indonesian President for the second term on Oct 20, a reception attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Among issues expected to be discussed by Malaysia and Indonesia during Susilo’s visit are expected to be among ways to improve cooperation in the work force, coastal maritime border, food safety, energy and anti-terrorism.
Ambar said if given a chance to meet Susilo, he would put forward the expectations of Indonesian workers here, especially those involving placement, wages, passport and outstanding court cases that involved abused Indonesian maids or workers.
“In general, the people of Malaysia have accepted and treated Indonesian workers well, except for isolated abuse cases which sometimes arise from the fault of the maids themselves,” he said. — Bernama
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