KUALA LUMPUR: The Indonesian embassy hinted five Malaysians will be banned from entering the country over alleged maltreatment of Indonesian workers.
Indonesian ambassador Hermono said the embassy was in the process of blacklisting the five and would request to Indonesian authorities to place them on a blacklist.
He said this action came after the acquittal of Radzuan Abu Hadzim and his wife Rosnajihah Ramli from charges of human trafficking on Dec 9.
It was understood that the couple denied having employed an Indonesian maid named Yati Karyati seven years ago, and refused to pay her salary.
Hermono said Indonesia would continue this policy of barring the entry of abusive employers.
"Banning foreign citizens to enter our territory means that they are not welcome in our country, which is a common policy.
"Many Indonesians are also banned from entering Malaysia because they worked illegally in Malaysia and we don't object to this policy as it is the sovereign right of the country.
"There are other similar cases and the message is clear. We will not compromise with abusive employers," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the ban would not be enforced if the culprit faced justice and paid the salary they owed to their employee.
Radzuan and Rosnajihah were acquitted of trafficking charges under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007/22 (Atipsom).
It was reported that they allegedly owed Yati RM84,000 in wages.
Hermono said every country had to protect its citizens and interests.
"We can't intervene in the legal process in Malaysia, as court proceedings are independent.
"However, if we believe that court verdict did not provide justice to our citizens, and we are obliged to respond to it per our laws and regulations."
Despite talks between Malaysian and Indonesian leaders, abuse of Indonesian workers continued to happen in Malaysia, said Hermono.
"Even President Joko Widodo always raises this issue every time he meets Malaysian leaders. Unfortunately, abuse of our workers continue to happen.
"We are open to discussion with Malaysian authorities to find the best solution to this issue."
Hermono said it was important for Malaysia and Indonesia to maintain brotherly ties.
"This is to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity not only for our bilateral interests but for the region as a whole.
"But we have to also acknowledge that there are pressing issues that need to be addressed, based on mutual respect, and one of them is the migrant (worker) issue.
"This was also mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to President Joko Widodo during their recent conversation.
"Once again, we are open for discussion to find a solution so that it would not escalate to a level that may affect our good and brotherly relations," he said.