[UPDATED] Anwar, Jokowi discuss community learning centres for Indonesian migrant children

JAKARTA – The development of community learning centres in Malaysia to ensure that the children of Indonesian migrant workers in the country receive education was among the topics discussed during the four-eye meeting today between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Joko, who had warmly welcomed the Malaysian prime minister, said it was very critical that children of Indonesian migrant workers be educated and that the rights of the workers there are better protected.

“I am happy about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to provide protection for Indonesian migrant workers (in Malaysia). I hope a system will be established to ensure that their well-being is met.

“It is also critical to develop community learning centres in Malaysia to ensure that the children of our migrant workers there receive education,” said Joko, who is also fondly known as Jokowi.

Responding to his counterpart, the Malaysian prime minister acknowledged that the mistreatment of Indonesian workers, including domestic workers, and their experience in Malaysian jails have hurt the neighbouring nation’s feelings – be it the administration or the general public.

Anwar stressed that he wishes to avoid any bad blood between Malaysia and Indonesia, especially seeing that the treatment of Indonesian migrants in Malaysian prisons is not exactly humanitarian.

“I know it (treatment of Indonesian migrant workers) have hurt the feelings of many Indonesians and also the government. I know how it feels like because I’ve been in the same prisons. It is not humane.

“There must be a holistic solution to this problem so that the workers are protected and both of us have agreed to ensure that the employment agencies will only help facilitate the employment of these workers and only for a reasonable profit, not to oppress the poor workers.

“The digitalisation of this unit will hopefully reduce the bureaucratic red tape and better protect worker rights,” said Anwar. 

Other matters discussed during the four-eyed meeting included combating the discrimination against palm oil-producing countries, agreeing that the Myanmar junta government must adhere to the five-point consensus, and border issues.

The two leaders also discussed Indonesia’s upcoming new capital, Nusantara, which will be based in East Kalimantan and how Sabah and Sarawak can play a role, as well as how Malaysian businesses can invest and assist in the city’s development.

“With the International Trade and Industries Ministry’s incentive, we are witnessing a positive and aggressive effort that will benefit Malaysia’s economy – particularly Sabah and Sarawak – which is important as it is an important economic region,” said Anwar.

Yesterday, 11 companies had shown interest and signed letters of intent to assist in Nusantara’s development while several other companies, including a few GLCs such as FGV Holdings, had signed memorandums of understanding with their Indonesian counterparts. – The Vibes, January 9, 2023