Press Release
Open Letter from the Women of Hizb ut Tahrir / Indonesia
Indonesian Women Laborers: The Dignity That Ought to be Protected

O Muslim Leader,

It is your obligation to secure the fulfillment of the people's needs, to protect them from all sorts of treacheries. As Rasulullah (saw) said:

"كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ، وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ "

"Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock." [narrated by Bukhari]

For you are responsible for the people of Indonesia. Your position in taking a political stance during the recent cases of Indonesian women laborers in Malaysia is supposed to be based on Islamic guidance. It is this combining principle of complete responsibility for welfare and protection. Condemnations and harsh comments including diplomatic efforts do not suffice in removing humiliating conditions of the Indonesian female workers. To make matters worse, you are acting in a slow manner, while people continue to suffer as a result of your negligence. Your diplomatic efforts are nothing but empty words from thin air. Rather these inactions have revealed the true identity of the capitalistic government that discards its responsibility to its people!

Actually countless humiliations, inhumane violations, and dehumanizing actions have been committed against Indonesian women working abroad. Are these conditions not enough to change your policies? These humiliations must be stopped! Islam insisted on the protection of women and their honor and dignity.

"الأصل في المرأة أنها أم وربة بيت وهي عرض يجب أن يصان"

The primary of a woman is a mother and home-maker and an honor that must be protected. (Draft Constitution of the Islamic State, Article 108)

O Muslim Leader,

Protect yourself from the rage of Allah and the people's rage for the neglect of 2.5 million women who have left their families enduring harsh working conditions in search for income.

"الظُّلْمُ ظُلُمَاتٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ"

"Fear the humiliations! For they cause darkness in the Afterlife."  [narrated by Sahih Bukhari Muslim]

We demand from the Indonesian government to stop sending all Indonesian women workers to foreign countries by offering local work alternatives. The temporary halting to foreign migrant workers, especially female laborers, is not a solution to protecting their dignity. It is imperative that the government provide ample and decent employment.

If the government stops the migration of laborers, the country will not plunge into extreme poverty. However it needs to adopts Islamic economic policies and fight corruption.

Oh Public Figures, Activists, and the entire Ummah,

Fundamentally, the adversities of women laborers are not because of Indonesia's weak unregulated diplomatic power; rather the core problem is the tarnishing of its dignity and the honor in the largest Muslim country in the world.

Together, we need to realize the on-going massive migration of Indonesian women laborers to distant countries has damaged Indonesia's image through out the world. Indonesia has become the largest exporter of migrant workers; even though, it is a major benefactor from its rich supply of natural resources. All the while, the government ignores the looting and adultery of the migrant Indonesian workers in foreign countries, further tarnishing the image of Indonesia.

Therefore all ranks of our Muslim society must use their powers, positions, and potential to improve the image of Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world; protecting the dignity of women. Women are an honor that must be protected, even sacrificing one's blood and soul. Ignoring the migration of female workers abroad is the government's deviation of Allah's Provision that allows women to be harmed.

O Muslimah,

Throughout the history of Islam, this dreadful fact has never occurred under the Khilafah "Caliphate". During which all walks of life were protected and secured with their basic needs fulfilled by the Khalifah. Women and mothers lived amongst their families, carrying out their duties and obligations, bearing their natural role as mothers to the new generation. They did not need to risk their dignity abroad to escape poverty. This sorrow-stricken situation is due to the implementation of capitalism, a system that has failed in providing welfare for human beings.

O Muslimah, the Jewel of the Ummah,

We cry out to with our deepest sincerity. Certain that this humiliation will never vanish. Rights for women will never be obtained. Honor and goodness will never be guaranteed, only by the Khilafah "Caliphate" State - a country that governs and judges by Allah's (swt) Laws. The Khilafah "Caliphate" draws nearer with each passing day. Remain firm on the path of Haqq. Join the struggle of Hizb ut Tahrir in reestablishing an Islamic Khilafah "Caliphate" State - the only nation with the capability to protect the Muslim countries and ensure their welfare. This indeed is possible for Allah (swt).

Iffah Ainur Rochmah
The Official Spokeswoman of Hizb ut Tahrir in Indonesia