The Indonesian government's intention to enhance the skills of their female migrant workers before departure is laudable but much more has to be done to address problems of abuse and exploitation faced by them, said two non-governmental organisations today.

In separate statements, labour rights organisation Tenaganita and the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) said the Malaysian government and its Indonesian counterpart should work to ensure proper working conditions for the migrant workers, rather than o­nly focusing o­n the women's skill levels.

Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said Jakarta's haste in banning women workers from leaving for work abroad may inadvertently result in further difficulties for those who have made preparations to leave.

"Many of the women waiting to go overseas in the next few months would have already signed their contracts, paid the agencies concerned and would have borrowed large sums of money.

"The ban would definitely create a whole sense of insecurity in terms of their job and fear that loan sharks will be at their doorsteps demanding payment," she said.