REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President of the Indonesian Labor Union (ASPEK) Mirah Sumirat said expatriates are a threat to Indonesian job seekers in the country.

"Foreign workers are like a monster ready to kick us out," Mirah said in a seminar on 'Domino effects of foreign workers' invasion' held here on Tuesday.

Many observers have expressed concerns with the agreement under the ASEAN Economic Community given freedom for people from the members countries to find job in any of the countries.

Mirah said the threat confronts not only the present but also the future generations that need jobs.

The struggle and aspirations of the labor unions are not directed against the government, but what they have done was only part of social criticism.

"There is fear among the workers that they might lose their jobs with foreign workers free to find jobs in Indonesia," Mirah said.

President of the Confederation of Indonesian Labor Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbal said he was concerned with the country losing strength in defense and resilience.

The country needs foreign investment but the government should address social justice, Iqbal said.

"Indonesia is the fifth in ASEAN in economic growth, but unemployment has increased. This indicates economic growth is enjoyed only by people of the middle to high classes. Low class members of the community are only sidewalk spectators," he said.

Director of Soekarno Hatta Institute, Muhammad Hatta Taliwang said all Indonesian people should have pride in being Indonesian.

Besides, the government should forestall any threat to the sovereignty of the country as a result of the possibility of expatriates taking jobs needed by Indonesian workers.

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