REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono shared his deep concerns over Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, Indonesian worker who got ill treatment from her employer in Hong Kong. The president communicated with Rahmat, Sulistyaningsih's father, on Tuesday.

"Mr. Rahmat, this is Yudhoyono speaking. I am very dismayed and concerned about your daughter, Erwiana. I hope the case will go to the court and I have heard that the case in under investigation by the Hong Kong police," the president said over the phone. 

Sulistyaningsih was reportedly unable to walk after being abused for eight months. Soon after returning to Indonesia, the domestic helper was then taken to the hospital in critical condition.

President said that working environment for Indonesian workers in Hong Kong actually was better than other countries. However, this case must be handled properly. He has been several times communicating with Hong Kong authorities to ensure that Indonesia worker are under law protection and better working environment. 

Based on Hong Kong Authority data, the employer who abused Erwina has been arrested and the case is under investigation. 

Hing Kong is home to nearly 300 thousand maids from Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines. There is growing criticism over treatment towards those workers especially from human right groups. 

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