Migrant worker's children return home

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Three children of a female migrant worker from Bantaeng regency in South Sulawesi were sent home after their mother was detained by the police in Kuching, Malaysia.

The three children were handed to the regency's secretary, Thamrin Husain, who will take them to their mother's family. The migrant worker, Elis, is in police detention for allegedly killing her husband Arman Sida in July last year.

Head of Children Protection team at the Social Affairs Ministry, Benny Sujanto, said the children were not properly cared for after their mother was jailed.

"Since they're not under the mother's care, their safety is under threat, so we're sending them home to get proper care," he said.

The three girls are Riska, 8; Risma, 7 and Risna, 5.

The regent and members of the legislative council have expressed readiness to foster the children. - JP