If in her first book Sarmini honestly shared the story of her struggles in registration, training, and job placement in Hong Kong, then in this book, she goes further. The author composes a reflective narrative that contains valuable experiences and lessons from her life journey as a migrant worker. With the hope that her colleagues who are just starting their journey in Hong Kong will not repeat the same mistakes, this book becomes a practical and inspiring guide that is of high value.
However, “Hong Kong, I am Off Work Today” is also a place for Sarmini to express her concerns about the various cases and problems that often befall Indonesian migrant workers, especially those whose work period is less than two contract periods (less than four years). Many of them are unable to withstand the challenges of working in Hong Kong or face the reality of being far from their families in Indonesia. Sarmini noted that most of them were forced to give up because of the difficulty of adapting, work pressure, and personal problems such as longing for their families.
Even sadder, there are a number of migrant workers who are involved in unhealthy relationships while in Hong Kong. This often leads to serious problems such as criminal acts, either due to the negative influence of the environment or due to economic pressure. Based on data collected from the report of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Hong Kong in 2023, there are at least dozens of cases each year involving Indonesian migrant workers in criminal acts, including fraud, violence, and drug abuse. Ironically, most of the perpetrators are migrant workers who have just started working and have not been able to adjust to the work and social environment in Hong Kong.
In the second part, Sarmini managed to collect a number of feature articles and reports that describe the dynamics of the Indonesian migrant worker community in Hong Kong during holidays. This book opens up the insight that holidays do not have to be spent having fun. There are many productive communities and activities that migrant workers participate in, ranging from religious activities, arts, culture, skills training, to sports hobbies. This book provides a new perspective on how to use free time to enrich insight and life skills.
Hong Kong, I am Off Work Today
Copyright © CV Elfatih Media Insani, 2024
Author: Sarmini
ISBN:
Editor: Kuspriyanto
Cover Design, Content Design & Layout:
Elfatih Media Insani Team
Publisher:
CV Elfatih Media Insani (Member of IKAPI)
First Published, December 2024
xxii, 184; 12.7 x 20 cm