At Umno HQ, Indonesian VP eyes migrant workers' votes

An Indonesian vice-president candidate on the campaign trail in Kuala Lumpur has pledged better protection of Indonesian workers in Malaysia, numbering some 1.7 million, as well as more job opportunities back home.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud Md, who partners Indonesia's presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, took to the stage before thousands gathered at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, WTC, last night.

The building, mostly known to Malaysians as home to Umno’s headquarters, will also, for the first time, host Indonesian voters casting their ballots on Feb 14 next year.

In his speech, Mahfud (above) reminded the migrant workers that even while living abroad, they play an important role in shaping Indonesia’s future.

"One of the ways to do so is by exercising your constitutional rights to vote for your elected representatives and your leaders.

"You have the right to decide who you think would be best to lead the country (Indonesia). Use your rights wisely," said the former constitutional court judge.

"There are many things that can be done for our future together.

"For Indonesian formal workers, we will make arrangements so that those working in Malaysia can receive protection as provided for under Indonesia’s labour law," said Mahfud.

Specifically, he cited the role of Indonesia’s migrant workers protection chief Benny Ramdhani, who was also present as part of the campaign team.

Mahfud also noted there are Indonesians who have been working illegally in Malaysia, particularly in the plantation sector - a figure industry players estimated to surpass legal hiring limit - and efforts must be made to reduce their numbers.

"At the same time, in Indonesia, more jobs will be created and so those unable to work legally here (in Malaysia) are encouraged to return home,” he said, stressing the government’s duty towards its citizens.

One of Ganjar-Mahfud’s announced missions, if elected into power, includes the creation of 17 million new jobs and greater support for the development of local businesses.

On this front, the duo as part of their national campaign team has enlisted Indonesia’s Business and Industries Chamber of Commerce head Arsjad Rasjid, who was also in Kuala Lumpur.

The event was organised by campaign volunteers from four parties supporting Ganjar-Mahfud’s candidacy - Indonesia’s Democratic Struggle Party (PDI-P); United Development Party (PPP); Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo); and People’s Conscience Party (Hanura).

A majority of those in attendance at the event are of Madurese ethnicity, from Madura island in East Java province.

Mahfud, 66, is also from Madura, and the crowd sang along to his rendition of their traditional song - ‘Tondhu Majang’ - that tells the tale of the island's fishermen.

Many came dressed in party uniforms, campaign T-shirts as well as red and white striped T-shirts that formed a part of a Madurese man's traditional outfit known as pesa’an.

Several observers from Indonesia’s Election Commission were also seen on duty, but one who spoke to Malaysiakini said matters surrounding campaign spending, which organisers revealed could be as high as RM100,000 for the night's event, was beyond their purview.

“That (spending) is Jakarta’s area,” said the Kuala Lumpur-based election observer who was unauthorised to be quoted.

The costs estimated by organisers include rentals of 72 buses transporting the crowd from outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor; hall rental and sound system; 5,000 food packets; campaign T-shirts; and others, excluding accommodation at Kuala Lumpur Ritz Carlton Hotel for Mahfud and his entourage.

At a separate dialogue session with Indonesian students from various Malaysian local universities, Mahfud elaborated on a vision for Indonesia to emerge as a global superpower by the year 2045.

"The future of Indonesia is you and Indonesia is your future,” he said at the end of the hour-long session, before being rushed off to where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet the lunch crowd at Medan Selera Jalan Duta.

Ganjar-Mahfud team is going up against two other presidential candidates, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming and Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar.

Two days after the start of the official Indonesian elections campaign period on Nov 28, Prabowo, who is also defence minister in President Joko Widodo's cabinet, met with Anwar in Putrajaya, alongside Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan and others.

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