Indonesian Maid Dies from Alleged Abuse by Employers

Jakarta Globe, June 09, 2011

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Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. An Indonesian maid who died in Malaysia on Sunday was allegedly beaten to death by her employers.

Isti Komariyah, 26, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the University Malaya Medical Center in Petaling Jaya on Sunday. There were bruises on her body and police suspected she had been physically abused by her employers.

Authorities confirmed the employers are currently in police custody for questioning, Malaysian newspaper The Star reported.

The Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia, Da'i Bachtiar, said the Indonesian government is monitoring the investigation into Isti's death.

“We want the Malaysian Government to give serious attention to this case and ensure offenders are punished accordingly,” Da'i said.

Her death occurred a week after Indonesia and Malaysia  signed a revised MoU to lift a two-year ban on sending Indonesian domestic helpers to Malaysia.

The MoU would look into improving the rights of Indonesian domestic helpers as well as that of Malaysian employers.

However, the case will not affect the MoU, said Subhan, spokesman for the Indonesia Manpower and Transmigration Ministry.

“The MoU will proceed according to what was signed in Bandung at the end of May," Subhan said.

“We urge the relevant authorities in Malaysia to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to court as soon as possible,” he said.