UNITED INDONESIANS AGAINST OVERCHARGING (PILAR)
INDONESIAN MIGRANT MUSLIM ALLIANCE (GAMMI)

Press Release
28 April 2008

For reference: Eni Lestari
Spokesperson
Phone: (852) 960 81475
Email: pilar.hk@gmail.com

We are not scapegoats for Consulate's ineptitude
Workers score threat of cancellation of services in face of protests

"The Indonesian Consulate should not dare blame us for its ineptitude and insufficient services to migrant workers."

This was declared by Eni Lestari, coordinator of the United Indonesians against overcharging (PILAR), in response to the statement of Sukmo Yuwono, Secretary I and Consul of the Consulate General in Hong Kong, who said that that the Indonesian Consulate would stop its three-hour Sunday services due to security reasons, for as long as PILAR protests in front of the consulate. Said statement was published by SUARA (25/04/08).

"It is obvious that the insufficient services and protection for migrant workers on part of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong results from its failure as a government institution. It now tries to cover its failure laying its own fault on the legitimate right of Indonesian migrant workers to protest," she said.

According to Lestari, the statement was another attempt to divert the issue of the incapability and failure of the Indonesian government to provide services and protection for their citizens. Worse, she said, it was an attempt to play migrant workers against each other.

"They wanted our fellow migrants to blame us for their irresponsibility. Instead of improving their performance, the government is now choosing to muddle the facts and even shamelessly make it appear that they are actually concerned for our welfare," she stated

Lestari relayed that in the history of protest actions of Indonesian migrant workers, there has never been an incidence of violence from the ranks of migrants.

"Many times PILAR and GAMMI have rallied in front of the consulate and we even once mobilized thousands of Indonesian migrant workers. Until now, we have shown that our protests are peaceful, restricted to the location assigned to us and are carried out under the protection of the police," she added.

PILAR and GAMMI recently intensified their campaign for the Indonesian Consulate to improve its services including the provision of a full-day services on Sunday – the usual day off for Indonesian migrants.

Lestari reported that the Consulate promised to provide better services starting April this year. However, she lamented, these have not been realized.

"We will not be fooled. We shall continue the campaign until this government starts doing its job properly," she concluded.

PILAR and GAMMI
Members: Akhwat Gaul, Alexa Dancer, Al Fattah, Al Hikmah, Al Istiqomah Internasional Muslim Society, Al Ikhlas, Al Jamiatus Solehah, An Nisaa International Muslim Society, Arrohmah, Asosiasi Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (ATKI-HK), Birul Walidain, Borneo Dancers, Dance in Freedom (DIF), Forum Muslimah Al Fadhilah (FMA-HK), Ikatan Wanita Muslim Indramayu Cirebon (IWAMIC), Ikatan Wanita Hindu Dharma Indonesia (IWHDI), Java Dance, KREN Dancers, Nur Muslimah Shatín, Peace, Simple Groups, Terali Dancer, Wanodya Indonesian Club, Zaqia.