Indonesian Citizens' ART Gang Fight In Singapore Viral, DPR Asks Government To Form A Support For PMI Forum

Photo by Singapore Stock Photos on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Two groups of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) fought and caused a commotion and were subject to a fine of S$1,000 or Rp11 million in Singapore. The Indonesian House of Representatives asked the Indonesian government to form a support forum for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI).

"The case of a brawl by a household assistant (ART) from Indonesia in Singapore is very unfortunate. This incident reflects the importance of maintaining good relations and healthy communication, especially in a work environment far from home. So there needs to be a support for PMI," said Commission IX Member Rahmad Handoyo, Thursday 19 September.

As is known, the fight between Indonesian citizens in Singapore went viral in cyberspace. The fight between the two hostile ART groups took place near the Wide MRT Paya Station last May. The fight between the two Indonesian ART gangs even became a spectacle for residents.

The Singapore court has just decided a sentence against one of the perpetrators named Sriani. After serving his sentence, the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) said Sriani's work permit would be revoked and banned from working in Singapore.

Meanwhile, two other defendants, namely Sulastri and Siti, had their cases postponed until October. They are waiting to see if they can get representatives under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS). Then the defendant named Nita stated that her CLAS application was rejected, and her employer did not provide a lawyer for her.

Seeing this case, Rahmad encouraged the Government, through the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) and the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) to immediately facilitate the formation of forums or the like.

According to him, the support forum in question is to provide guidance and education to PMI in terms of managing conflicts and stress so that if problems occur, they can solve them peacefully and effectively.

"So our PMIs can also be more careful and not easily provoked by information that can cause conflict," explained the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district.

Rahmad assessed that PMI's emotional management problem is one of the challenges that must be considered. Therefore, this support forum needs to be formed to help migrant workers abroad face various pressures, both in terms of work, and the social environment.

"Events like this can occur due to a lack of social support and a safe place for them to share and solve problems. In forums like this, migrant workers can feel solidarity and brotherhood with fellow PMIs," said Rahmad.

"They can share experiences and find mutual solutions to the problems they face," he added.

Furthermore, Rahmad said support forums for PMIs can also be equipped with skills training programs. The hope is that PMI can use its free time for things that are more useful and improve skills than spending time on things that are not good.

"BP2MI must provide assistance and guidance to migrant workers, not only when they want to go to work abroad but also when they are in their destination country," explained Rahmad.

On the other hand, Rahmad appealed to all Indonesian citizens to maintain their attitude when they are abroad. Including PMIs so that Indonesia's image in the eyes of the world is not tarnished.

"I invite Indonesian citizens, PMI friends, to let us work together to maintain the dignity of the nation. Show that Indonesia is a country that is friendly and humble," he said.

"Let's keep Indonesia's good name wherever we are, including when abroad by maintaining our attitude and complying with the applicable rules in each country," added Rahmad.