Indonesian Migrant Worker Torture Case Prompts MoU Talks with Malaysia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The government is pushing to complete a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia on the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.

“Indonesia is striving to urgently complete the MoU discussions to ensure the full protection of our migrant workers from their departure, their tenure in Malaysia up until their return home,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, noting that the current MoU on the protection of Indonesian overseas workers in Malaysia has expired.

Read also: Taiwan Suspends Entry of Indonesian Migrant Workers over 85 Covid-19 Positive

It was recently reported that a 26-year-old Indonesian migrant worker with the initials MH became a victim of torture in the neighboring country. The case has compelled Indonesia to provide better protection for its overseas workers.

“MH’s case is another wake-up call on the importance of establishing a safe migration corridor for our overseas workers in Malaysia.”

Indonesia's foreign ministry reported that MH was tortured by their employer and was saved by the PDRM on November 24.

Non-governmental organization Tenaganita coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in drawing up an evacuation plan to save MH.

The foreign ministry said in a press release that the overseas worker was beaten by a blunt tool, had slash wounds inflicted from a sharp object, not provided food, and being sprayed with hot water.

Read also: Migrant Worker Buried in Malaysia As Family Had No Money to Bring Her Body Home to Indonesia

MH’s employer is currently under custody while the victim is receiving treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Retno added that the victim’s condition is stable and improving. The next step is for the foreign ministry to assist MH in reconnecting with his family via video call.

Furthermore, Retno explained that the government has condemned the deplorable act to the Malaysian Ambassador for Indonesia and strongly denounced the repeated torture inflicted on Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.

The final step is to appoint an attorney for the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to explore legal avenues in prosecuting MH’s employer.

(Writer: Sania Mashabi | Editors: Kristian Erdianto, Dani Prabowo)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/12/03/15521901/menlu-dorong-penyelesaian-nota-kesepahaman-dengan-malaysia-terkait 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/12/03/15060941/usai-selamatkan-pekerja-migran-yang-disiksa-di-malaysia-kemlu-pastikan-mh