REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA-- The 6th Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yodhoyono (SBY) has urged the government to tender a clarification on the alleged onslaught of foreign workers into the country in response to public unrest. SBY made the statement while holding a dialog with ulemas, leaders, and social figures as part of his Tour de Banten at The Royal Krakatau Hotel on Sunday night.

"Since it is the government of the people, it is the people, who hold sovereignty. The government should explain it transparently and honestly. Actually, what is the number of foreign workers (employed in Indonesia)? Does it run into tens, dozens, or hundreds of thousands? We do not know it," SBY noted in a press statement released on Monday.

The alleged onslaught of foreign workers, particularly from China, came under the spotlight during the dialog. Participants of the dialog feared that foreign workers will control their region known as an industrial city and deprive the local residents of job opportunities.

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The exchange of skilled workers between Indonesia and the neighboring countries is normal. The cooperation is set forth in the ASEAN Law, he explained.

"However, if the number of foreign workers is large, it will not be allowed since our unemployment rate is still high. Moreover, we have several skilled workers, who can work, so why do we have to hire a large number of foreign workers in our country," he pointed out.

The government should clarify the issue, so as to avoid hoaxes, he stated.

SBY said he was not in the capacity to give a clarification on the issue for fear that he will be blamed for spreading a slander. "Instead of spreading a slander, I hope the president, minister, or anybody else would explain what is the number of foreign workers employed in Indonesia, where they come from, and what sectors they are employed in?" he emphasized.

SBY gauged the public unrest, as several people found it difficult to get jobs.

"The president and Government of Indonesia must defend the people. We have several skilled workers. The government must have the guts to do so," the General Chairman of Democratic Party added.

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