Foreign Ministry coordinates with KL mission, anticipates layoffs

03 April 2009

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   

The Foreign Ministry has coordinated with its mission in Kuala Lumpur to anticipate the return of thousands of Indonesian workers in future layoffs, foreign minister said.

"Our Ambassador Pak Da'i Bachtiar just reported the possibility of job layoffs. We're trying to avoid any displacement," Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said, as quoted by Antara news.

The Foreign Ministry, Wirayuda said, has anticipated the global economic downturn and its possible effects on Indonesian workers abroad.

"As we have already experienced layoffs here in Indonesia, this is also happening in countries where our labors are working," he said.

He added that the Ministry's representatives abroad would work on ensuring that the orderly return of workers.

"Let's not allow our people to suffer twice, being laid off and also displaced. Disorderly waves of their return must be prevented," Wirayuda added.

Particularly in Malaysia's case, the top level officials of the two countries have already begun talks aimed at fostering mutual understanding and also ensuring that the return of Indonesian laborers would take place gradually, the minister said. (amr)