The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Singapore seeks to increase the literacy of Indonesian migrant workers in Singapore through the screening of a documentary film about migrant workers entitled Pilihan.
“This film presents the choices available with all the consequences for the lives of migrant workers, so it is very good for learning,” said the Education & Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, IGAK Satrya Wibawa in a statement received by Indonesia Window here on Sunday.
Satrya, who is also a film lecturer at Airlangga University, said the use of documentary film media as a learning channel is relevant in this digital era.
“Documentary films provide a more real learning effect because they are delivered by actors based on real experiences,” he said.
Tantri Darmastuti, technical staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, said that the documentary film produced by a community called Ruang Migran was important because many cases befall Indonesian migrant workers due to ignorance of the wise use of social media.
The film’s producer, activist and journalist Noor Huda, explained that the documentary tells the story of Listyowati and Masyitoh, two migrant workers in Singapore.
Listyowati from Sendangkulon, Central Java, struggles with the bitter reality of marriage. Her dreams of a better life are shattered by her husband’s cruelty, leaving her disillusioned and longing for purpose.
Her journey takes a drastic turn when she stumbles upon the atrocities taking place in the Middle East. Shocked by the suffering of innocent children, Listyowati feels compelled to act. However, her misguided search for meaning leads her down a dangerous path towards extremism, resulting in her arrest by the police.
Meanwhile, Masyitoh tries to find herself on a journey towards education and entrepreneurship. Her journey takes a drastic turn when she finds her strength in online commerce.
Through a renewed passion for internet sales, Masyitoh empowers herself and her community to pursue financial independence.
The screening of the documentary is in line with the duties and obligations of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore in serving and protecting Indonesian citizens in Singapore, the Embassy said in its statement.
The film will be distributed to pockets of Indonesian migrant workers in Singapore and other countries through cooperation with BP2MI and related ministries.