UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) alumni continue to make contributions to the community. One of the alumni was Anisa Farida, an alumna of the 2003 English Literature program.

Anisa who now works at the Embassy of Indonesian Republic (KBRI) in London that has managed to save a female worker (TKW) from Banyumas regency, Central Java,  Parinah (50) who was locked up by an employer for 18 years.

Anisa said the Indonesian embassy received official request for assistance to repatriate her to Indonesia on March 1, 2018, based on 2 letters from Parinah dated March 5, 2005 and January 28, 2018. Moreover, the family could not make contact with Parinah as well.

After going through various processes, on 5 April, Brighton police succeeded in removing Parinah from the employer’s home. The police also arrested employers and families, 4 people on the alleged act of modern slavery.

“It is our duty as a representative of Indonesian government abroad to protect Indonesian citizens (WNI),” she said.

At first Anisa tried to contact the authorities and asked to take Parinah from her employer’s residence. In addition, she also ensured that Parinah returned safely back to her family.

“In the future we will ensure the fulfillment of Parinah’s rights thoroughly in accordance with applicable law,” she said.

Anisa claimed to have found no significant obstacles in the process of rescuing Parinah. Although the employer denied twice of Parinah’s existence at their residence. In the rescue process, she continued, the local police were very cooperative. After Anisa requested the rescue, the police acted immediately.

“All forms of modern slavery are serious crimes in Britain. This is corroborated by the Modern Slavery Act passed in 2015. Brighton Police confirmed their seriousness on the case. The abolished rights of Parinah after working for 18 years in the UK will be discussed in the Court for compensation, ” she added.

For her success of rescuing the worker, Anisa was relieved and happy. Her efforts could help Parinah returning home after many years not meeting their family.

Finally, Anisa hoped that all academic community of UNAIR, especially alumni, to continue making contributions for the nation and state in any forms.

“UNAIR alumni are widespread not only in Indonesia but also in various countries. Hopefully UNAIR can explore the potential of alumni to develop UNAIR and advance the nation and state, ” she concluded. (*)

Author: M. Najib

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh