February 15, 2010

Bangkok

There are 6 million Indonesian migrant workers according to 2009 data from Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration Republic of Indonesia and National Authority for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers, (BNP2TKI), and 75% or 4,5 million of them are working as domestic workers in South East Asia, East Asia and Middle East. In the past decade Indonesian domestic workers have increasingly dominated the migrant workers sector in countries such as the Hong kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East. In today’s global economic recession and widespread job losses, more are expected to add to their ranks.

Despite their growing number and contribution to their host economies, domestic workers continue to face precarious working and living conditions. The remain largely vulnerable due to the insecurity in their employment at home and abroad, lack of legal protection against abuse and exploitation as well as inaccessibility of labour standards. It is hardly surprising that Indonesian domestic workers are one of the most active advocates for an ILO Convention on Domestic Work by 2011.

Committee for Asian Women (CAW), in solidarity, joins JALA-PRT, Tunas Mulia, PERISAI, Rumpun Tjoet Njak Dien and other domestic workers groups and supporters in Indonesia in commemorating domestic workers day on February 15, 2010.  Since 2001 after the death of a child domestic worker from severe beating by her employer propelled protests in the streets, February 15 has been observed as Indonesia’s domestic workers day. Ten years after the death of Sunarsih at 14 years old, her fate is still potentially shared by over 100 million domestic workers worldwide. Universal protection for all local and foreign domestic workers is therefore urgently needed wherever they may be.

A proposal is being drafted towards a Protection Legislation for Indonesia’s Domestic Workers. Domestic Workers groups have submitted their own versions of the draft bill. The draft bill aims to regulate working hours and provide a weekly day off for all domestic workers. CAW strongly supports these efforts including legislation to guarantee minimum wage, social insurance and right to form and join trade unions. CAW congratulates its sisters who have made tremendous gains in their campaign for recognition and protection.

Indonesia stands to be a pioneer in legal recognition of domestic workers and therefore recognition of a large number of working women. CAW urges the Indonesian government to pass the Protection Legislation in the soonest possible time while allowing for broad participation of domestic workers themselves in the processes of its discussion and implementation. The Protection Legislation will be a historic first in the region and will be a fitting tribute to the millions of Asian women workers still struggling to better their lives.

In solidarity,

Lucia Victor Jayaseelan

CAW Executive Coordinator

Please download the Bahasa version of Statement here: