Rieke seeks support for migrant workers

(JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

JAKARTA: On screen, in a TV show, she might be the naïve kampung girl Oneng. But in real life, as a seasoned activist in the field of feminism and human rights, Rieke Dyah Pitaloka has recently taken on a new challenge: to speak on behalf of migrant workers.

At an event to gather support for the ratification of the International Migrant Convention, Rieke took to the stage as the ambassador for migrant workers.

“We’ve all followed the news on how complex the problems are that migrant workers face. Most of them have to do without sufficient protection of their rights,” said the 35-year old.

Indonesia signed in 2004 the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers, but has yet to ratify it. One of the aims of Monday night’s event was to gather support for a petition urging the ratification to be submitted to the government on the presidential inauguration day, scheduled for Oct. 20.

“Please, all of you who have not signed the petition to urge the ratification, do so before you leave,” Rieke reminded the guests. “It’s the least we can do for our migrant workers.” — JP