Akhir-akhir ini seringkali kita mendengar maupun membaca di berita2 ataupun di internet tentang maraknya operasi yang dilakukan instansi pemerintah Brunei terutama para pejabat imigrasi Brunei di wilayah-wilayah yang disinyalir banyaknya warga asing yang tinggal. Dari hasil operasi tersebut, seringkali TKI maupun WNI yang tertangkap karena overstay alias ijin tinggal melebihi batas, pelacuran, bekerja tidak sesuai dengan pass kerja dst.
Akibat penangkapan tersebut, TKI yang tertangkap (jika didapati bersalah) akan dikenakan denda/compound B$100 - B$ 600,-. Jika gagal membayar ya kemana lagi kalo tidak dijebloskan ke penjara selama 1 bulan dan paling lama 3 bulan. Namun jika TKI tersebut, pernah melakukan kesalahan sebeumnya, kemungkinan akan lebih lama lagi mendekam di sel tahanan.
Banyaknya TKI yang tertangkap membuat nama bangsa Indonesia semakin buruk. Tapi apakah kita dapat menyalahkan 100% TKI tersebut?... Bagaimana solusinya ataukah ada solusi yang jitu untuk menghindari terjadinya hal seperti diatas?... Bagaimana sikap Pemerintah RI mengenai hal ini, apakah mereka mengetahuinya atau pura2 tidak tahu alias masa bodoh?
Banyak sekali pertanyaan2 kita yang memerlukan jawaban namun dari mana kita dapat jawaban tersebut?... Apakah KBRI di Brunei dapat membantu atau memberikan jawaban?.. Sementara di KBRI sendiri masih banyak para TKW yang ditampung dan menunggu penyelesain kasusnya. Apakah kita juga akan menyalahkan KBRI Brunei dalam hal ini?... Wah banyak sekali pertanyaan2 yang perlu kita cari solusi maupun jawabannya...
Saya serahkan sepenuhnya kepada para pembaca untuk memberikan saran, pendapat maupun solusi dan semoga Pemerintah Indonesia dapat membacanya...
Kang Gambit
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Indonesian woman held for overstaying
The Belait Immigration Enforcement Section arrested a 43-year- old Indonesian woman at a Kuala Belait bus stop on suspicion the woman could have overstayed in the country.
During the operation led by the Senior Immigration Officer, it was found out that the woman's visitor's pass had expired since June last year.
Having overstayed for 154 days, she was detained for breaching Chapter 15 (1) Paragraph 17 of the Immigration Act.
It carries a minimum penalty of three months' imprisonment for those remaining illegally in the country for over 90 days.
The public can pass information on illegal offenders by calling the department's hotline numbers 3331879/3341938 (Kuala Belait), 2383555 / 2383777 (Bandar Seri Begawan) and 5221222 (Temburong).
Borneo Bulletin-2/02/2009
During the operation led by the Senior Immigration Officer, it was found out that the woman's visitor's pass had expired since June last year.
Having overstayed for 154 days, she was detained for breaching Chapter 15 (1) Paragraph 17 of the Immigration Act.
It carries a minimum penalty of three months' imprisonment for those remaining illegally in the country for over 90 days.
The public can pass information on illegal offenders by calling the department's hotline numbers 3331879/3341938 (Kuala Belait), 2383555 / 2383777 (Bandar Seri Begawan) and 5221222 (Temburong).
Borneo Bulletin-2/02/2009
US Human Rights Report positive on Brunei
he US State Department annual Human Rights Report for 2008 was released yesterday.
In the report for Brunei Darussalam, there were several positive points concerning the conditions of the prisons and the government's zero tolerance policy on corruption.
Touching on the conditions of prison and detention centres in Brunei, the report noted that conditions generally met international standards. There were no reports of mistreatment and that the law prohibits the mistreatment of these prisoners.
In terms of the freedom of speech and press, it noted the nation's daily newspapers, which include the Borneo Bulletin, as practising self-censorship.
The letters to the editor, which appears in the Borneo Bulletin Opinion page, often includes comments critical of government handling of certain social, economic, and environmental issues.
On occasions, the government responds to public opinion on topics concerning social or environmental problems and the delay of public services, the report said.
The Legislative Council, which convenes annually, has allowed members to "speak their opinions freely", but they are prohibited from using language or exhibiting behaviour deemed "irresponsible, derogatory, scandalous, or injurious", and may be disqualified for service on the basis of various offences including disloyalty.
The report stated that the village consultative councils communicated constituents' wishes through a variety of channels, including periodic meetings chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The government also meets with mukim representatives to allow for airing of local grievances and concerns.
The Brunei National Development Party (NDP) was also mentioned and that it is the country's only registered political party and pledges its support to the Sultan and the government.
On corruption, the zero tolerance policy practised by the government has successfully led to the prosecution of a number of low-level officials. There were no reports of prosecution or conviction of police or military personnel for corruption.
In relation to crimes, in particular rape and domestic violence, the report mentioned that according to police statistics, there were 46 reported rape cases in 2008 and 21 were under investigation. Police were said to be generally responsive in the investigation of such cases, the report said.
Although there is no specific domestic violence law, but arrests have been made in domestic violence cases under the Women and Girls Protection Act.
In 2008 alone, there were 225 reported cases of domestic violence against women, and all cases were still under investigation at year's end. The criminal penalty for a minor domestic assault is one to two weeks in jail and a fine. An assault resulting in serious injury is punishable by caning and a longer jail sentence.
A special unit staffed by female officers exists in the police department to investigate domestic abuse and child abuse complaints, while a hotline is available for persons to report domestic violence.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports' Department of Community Development provides counselling for women and their spouses. Based on individual circumstances, some female and minor victims are placed in protective custody in the Community Development Department's Taman Noor Hidayah shelter while waiting for their cases to be brought to court.
There are various laws that prohibit the employment of children under the age of 16. Parental consent and approval by the Commissioner of Labour is required for those under 18.
The Labour Department, which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, effectively enforces laws related to the employment of children and that there are no reports of violations of child labour laws, the report said.
On the health and welfare aspect, the report states that occupational health and safety standards are established by government regulations.
The Labour Department inspects working conditions on a routine basis and in response to complaints and the department generally enforces labour regulations effectively.
However, enforcement in the unskilled labour sector was seen as lax, especially for foreign workers at construction sites, where pay arrearage and inadequate safety and living conditions were reported.
The Labour Department on the other hand may close a workplace where health, safety, or working conditions are unsatisfactory. The law permits a worker to leave a hazardous job site without jeopardising his employment, but generally, this did not occur.
The government's protective measures for foreign workers have included arrival briefings for workers, inspections of facilities, and a telephone hotline for worker complaints.
The report noted that government mediation continues to be the most common means used to resolve labour disputes.
Abusive employers face criminal and civil penalties. When grievances could not be resolved, repatriation of foreign workers is at the expense of the employer, and all outstanding wages are ordered paid.
The majority of abuse cases have been settled out of court by the employer paying financial compensation to the worker.
No 2008 statistics on workers' complaints were provided but the report stated that in 2007 the Labour Department recorded 26 complaints by domestic helpers and 108 complaints by corporate/garment workers against employers who failed to pay workers' salaries.
Sixteen of the complaints by domestic workers and 60 of the complaints by corporate/garment workers were resolved, largely by employer compensation payments.
Eighteen complainants withdrew their complaints while the remaining cases were still under investigation.
The government also prosecuted employers who employed illegal immigrants or did not process workers' documents, rendering them illegal status. While the majority of prosecutions were for long-term overstayers, many workers stayed on illegally due to their former employers' negligence.
The 2008 Human Rights Report is the 32nd edition of the Country Reports. It includes more than 190 countries worldwide and it is said that these reports help foster discussion, promote advocacy, measures country's progress and improvements that can be made.
Borneo Bulletin-27/02/2009
In the report for Brunei Darussalam, there were several positive points concerning the conditions of the prisons and the government's zero tolerance policy on corruption.
Touching on the conditions of prison and detention centres in Brunei, the report noted that conditions generally met international standards. There were no reports of mistreatment and that the law prohibits the mistreatment of these prisoners.
In terms of the freedom of speech and press, it noted the nation's daily newspapers, which include the Borneo Bulletin, as practising self-censorship.
The letters to the editor, which appears in the Borneo Bulletin Opinion page, often includes comments critical of government handling of certain social, economic, and environmental issues.
On occasions, the government responds to public opinion on topics concerning social or environmental problems and the delay of public services, the report said.
The Legislative Council, which convenes annually, has allowed members to "speak their opinions freely", but they are prohibited from using language or exhibiting behaviour deemed "irresponsible, derogatory, scandalous, or injurious", and may be disqualified for service on the basis of various offences including disloyalty.
The report stated that the village consultative councils communicated constituents' wishes through a variety of channels, including periodic meetings chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The government also meets with mukim representatives to allow for airing of local grievances and concerns.
The Brunei National Development Party (NDP) was also mentioned and that it is the country's only registered political party and pledges its support to the Sultan and the government.
On corruption, the zero tolerance policy practised by the government has successfully led to the prosecution of a number of low-level officials. There were no reports of prosecution or conviction of police or military personnel for corruption.
In relation to crimes, in particular rape and domestic violence, the report mentioned that according to police statistics, there were 46 reported rape cases in 2008 and 21 were under investigation. Police were said to be generally responsive in the investigation of such cases, the report said.
Although there is no specific domestic violence law, but arrests have been made in domestic violence cases under the Women and Girls Protection Act.
In 2008 alone, there were 225 reported cases of domestic violence against women, and all cases were still under investigation at year's end. The criminal penalty for a minor domestic assault is one to two weeks in jail and a fine. An assault resulting in serious injury is punishable by caning and a longer jail sentence.
A special unit staffed by female officers exists in the police department to investigate domestic abuse and child abuse complaints, while a hotline is available for persons to report domestic violence.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports' Department of Community Development provides counselling for women and their spouses. Based on individual circumstances, some female and minor victims are placed in protective custody in the Community Development Department's Taman Noor Hidayah shelter while waiting for their cases to be brought to court.
There are various laws that prohibit the employment of children under the age of 16. Parental consent and approval by the Commissioner of Labour is required for those under 18.
The Labour Department, which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, effectively enforces laws related to the employment of children and that there are no reports of violations of child labour laws, the report said.
On the health and welfare aspect, the report states that occupational health and safety standards are established by government regulations.
The Labour Department inspects working conditions on a routine basis and in response to complaints and the department generally enforces labour regulations effectively.
However, enforcement in the unskilled labour sector was seen as lax, especially for foreign workers at construction sites, where pay arrearage and inadequate safety and living conditions were reported.
The Labour Department on the other hand may close a workplace where health, safety, or working conditions are unsatisfactory. The law permits a worker to leave a hazardous job site without jeopardising his employment, but generally, this did not occur.
The government's protective measures for foreign workers have included arrival briefings for workers, inspections of facilities, and a telephone hotline for worker complaints.
The report noted that government mediation continues to be the most common means used to resolve labour disputes.
Abusive employers face criminal and civil penalties. When grievances could not be resolved, repatriation of foreign workers is at the expense of the employer, and all outstanding wages are ordered paid.
The majority of abuse cases have been settled out of court by the employer paying financial compensation to the worker.
No 2008 statistics on workers' complaints were provided but the report stated that in 2007 the Labour Department recorded 26 complaints by domestic helpers and 108 complaints by corporate/garment workers against employers who failed to pay workers' salaries.
Sixteen of the complaints by domestic workers and 60 of the complaints by corporate/garment workers were resolved, largely by employer compensation payments.
Eighteen complainants withdrew their complaints while the remaining cases were still under investigation.
The government also prosecuted employers who employed illegal immigrants or did not process workers' documents, rendering them illegal status. While the majority of prosecutions were for long-term overstayers, many workers stayed on illegally due to their former employers' negligence.
The 2008 Human Rights Report is the 32nd edition of the Country Reports. It includes more than 190 countries worldwide and it is said that these reports help foster discussion, promote advocacy, measures country's progress and improvements that can be made.
Borneo Bulletin-27/02/2009
Foreign loggers get jail term & lashes for illegal entry
Five Indonesian men were sentenced to three months' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane yesterday after pleading guilty to entering Brunei Darussalam without valid passes.
Hainani Saco, 30, Syahril bin M Amin, 29, Rizal Rabuneh, 25, Abdul Saleng bin Seru, 24, and Wihelmus Jemail, 20, were convicted in the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate's Court.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Joe Chan said the five men sometime in January this year were among a group who went through a jungle route in Sungai Bakong, Miri, Sarawak until they reached their desired destination - a forest area where they could do some logging.
The forest area was in the vicinity of LP 31 Ukur Ulu Belait.
According to the prosecutor, the five men built a temporary shelter in the area so they could carry out their logging work.
On February 26, the police made an ambush where seven of them managed to flee but five were arrested, the court was told.
The defendants failed to show valid passes to the police.
This is an offence under section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act (Chapter 17) punishable under section 6(3)(a) of the same Act.
Borneo Bulletin-03/03/2009
Hainani Saco, 30, Syahril bin M Amin, 29, Rizal Rabuneh, 25, Abdul Saleng bin Seru, 24, and Wihelmus Jemail, 20, were convicted in the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate's Court.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Joe Chan said the five men sometime in January this year were among a group who went through a jungle route in Sungai Bakong, Miri, Sarawak until they reached their desired destination - a forest area where they could do some logging.
The forest area was in the vicinity of LP 31 Ukur Ulu Belait.
According to the prosecutor, the five men built a temporary shelter in the area so they could carry out their logging work.
On February 26, the police made an ambush where seven of them managed to flee but five were arrested, the court was told.
The defendants failed to show valid passes to the police.
This is an offence under section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act (Chapter 17) punishable under section 6(3)(a) of the same Act.
Borneo Bulletin-03/03/2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Daerah AktualPenempatan dan Pengawasan TKI Harus Diperketat
01/02/2009 23:28 wib
Salatiga, CyberNews. Penempatan dan pengawasan tenaga kerja Indonesia di luar negeri harus dapat diperketat dan diperjelas, untuk menghindari terjadinya kasus seperti yang dialami Umi Saodah (33), TKW asal Dusun Tlawongan Desa Karangtengah Kecamatan Tuntang Kabupaten Semarang. Hal itu menjadi salah satu kelemahan sistem, sehingga hingga kini banyak TKI yang mengalami kondisi menyedihkan selama bekerja di luar negeri.
''Banyak TKI kita yang tidak diketahui tempatnya bekerja, kondisi kesehatannya bagaimana, sistem pembayaran gaji, siapa majikannya, dan berbagai hal lainnya. Kita baru tahu ada permasalahan setelah muncul korban,'' kata Ir H Siswono Yudo Husodo ketika mengunjungi dan memberikan bantuan kepada keluarga Umi Saodah.
Mantan menteri itu mengungkapkan, bila terjadi permasalahan terhadap TKI seperti yang dialami oleh Umi Saodah, maka yang bertanggungjawab adalah perusahaan penyalur tenaga kerja atau PJTKI. Untuk itu, sejak awal PJTKI harus dapat memiliki datan dan memberikan laporan terhadap semua kondisi TKI.
Dia juga mempertanyakan bagaimana Umi Saodah yang telah bekerja lebih dari 8 tahun tidak dapat pulang. Padahal, sesuai dengan standar perjanjian kerja hanya 2 tahun. Keberadaan Umi yang bekerja di Palestina sebagai daerah konflik, juga dipertanyakan karena seharusnya tidak diperbolehkan.
Walaupun diakuinya, di daerah itu sangat dibutuhkan tenaga kerja oleh keluarga di Palestina, untuk membantu merawat para orang tua. ''Kita berharap ke depan agar permasalahan TKI dapat lebih terdata dengan baik, sehingga kejadian seperti ini tidak terulang kembali,'' ujar mantan ketua Himpunan Kerukunan Tani Indonesia tersebut.
Diakuinya, jasa para TKI sangat besar bagi keluarga di Tanah Air. Secara tidak langsung para pahlawan devisa itu telah memberikan andil yang cukup besar terhadap negara, karena setiap tahun miliaran rupiah terus mengalir. Dia berharap agar uang yang diperoleh TKI dapat dimanfaatkan untuk pengembangan usaha masyarakat setempat, tidak hanya untuk membangun rumah.
--Suara Merdeka Cybernews.--
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Indonesian Call Girl Behind Bars
Borneo Bulletin, 13 July 2008
A 20-year-old Indonesian holding a social visit pass was recently sentenced to three months'jail after she pleaded guilty to solicitation (prostitution). The Bandar Magistrate's Court was told that anti-vice police found the defendant, Mustika Royani, with a man in a hotel room in the capital on July 7. During the search, officers found two mobile phones and $100 that was given to the defendant by her 'client'. Mustika admitted that she had used the two mobile phones to run her business.
A 20-year-old Indonesian holding a social visit pass was recently sentenced to three months'jail after she pleaded guilty to solicitation (prostitution). The Bandar Magistrate's Court was told that anti-vice police found the defendant, Mustika Royani, with a man in a hotel room in the capital on July 7. During the search, officers found two mobile phones and $100 that was given to the defendant by her 'client'. Mustika admitted that she had used the two mobile phones to run her business.
Runaway Worker Jailed
12 July 2008, Bandar Seri Begawan
A 21-year-old Indonesian woman who ran away from her employer in Kuala Belait will spend the next four months behind bar. The Bandar Magistrate's Court sentenced the defendant, Siti Nur Septiana, after she pleaded guilty to remaining in the country after her pass had expired on March 15, 2008. This is an offence under section 15(1) of the immigration Act, Chapter 17.
According to the Immigration Prosecting Officer, the defendant was arrested at a rented house in Jalan Kota Batu by a team of Police officers from the Criminal Investigation Departement.
The Court was told that Siti worked as a dishwasher in Bandar Seri Begawan after she had run away from her employer in Kuala Belait.
from Borneo Bulletin, Sunday, 13 July 2008
A 21-year-old Indonesian woman who ran away from her employer in Kuala Belait will spend the next four months behind bar. The Bandar Magistrate's Court sentenced the defendant, Siti Nur Septiana, after she pleaded guilty to remaining in the country after her pass had expired on March 15, 2008. This is an offence under section 15(1) of the immigration Act, Chapter 17.
According to the Immigration Prosecting Officer, the defendant was arrested at a rented house in Jalan Kota Batu by a team of Police officers from the Criminal Investigation Departement.
The Court was told that Siti worked as a dishwasher in Bandar Seri Begawan after she had run away from her employer in Kuala Belait.
from Borneo Bulletin, Sunday, 13 July 2008
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