14 Julu 2007
JAKARTA: With the aim to improve conditions for Indonesian domestic employees overseas, singer Franky Sahilatua has involved himself in the world of migrant workers.
"I became concerned when I went to Hong Kong two years ago to attend a meeting. I met several Indonesian domestic workers... I listened to their sad stories and learned about their daily struggles for survival," he told The Jakarta Post.
Last year, Franky became an ambassador for migrant workers, together with singer Ninik Carlina.
The 53-year-old has even written a song to protest a neighboring country for not having the legal framework to protect overseas domestic workers, most of whom are from Indonesia.
"The song is titled, Malaysia; Negeri Kacang Lupa Kulit (Malaysia, a country that has forgotten its roots)," he said.
Franky also participates in the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) and the Federation of Indonesian Farmers Union (FSPI), and writes songs to promote people's awareness of environmental issues and nationalism. --JP
