Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong set up Cultural Forum

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - A number of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong have set up a Cultural Forum for Indonesian Migrant Workers (FBBMI).

Bonari Nabonenar, an Indonesian migrant worker, said here on Tuesday that the Forum was headed by Wina Karnie, a worker from Magetan, who has published a short story book entitled "Perempuan Negeri Beton" or Women from the Country of Steel.

"FBBMI will be officially inaugurated on October 17 at Nglaran village, Dongko subdistrict, Trenggalek District, East Java Province, coinciding with a discussion on `Rural people and Globalization`," she said.
A photo exhibition featuring 100 pictures on "Hong Kong and Indonesian Migrant Workers" will also be held in Trenggalek, from October 15 to 17, 2007.

"Why we held the activities in Trenggalek, because Trenggalek has supplied many workers to Hong Kong," she said.
She said that the photo exhibition was expected to help inform relatives of the migrant workers on the daily life of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong, including on their happiness and sadness while away from the country.
"Several female workers have suffered from depression while working in Hong Kong due to a cultural shock and a pressure from home where their relatives keep on asking them to send them money. We hope the picture will help the migrants` relatives understand how hard are our jobs as migrant workers," she said.
The Forum is expected help facilitate migrant workers who want to hold a cultural or art performance while they are on leave.

Indonesia is one of the world`s major migrant workers suppliers to a number of countries, especially Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore.(*)

Source: ANTARA News
http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=611&id=3207

[ketoke salah judul kiye, bon]