Indonesian performer, Super Emak, to promote decent work for domestic workers

An Indonesian performer, presenter and dangdut artist who is also known as Super Emak (Super Mom in English) was taking part in the ILO’s campaign on the promotion of decent work for domestic workers. Before at least 100 homemakers from the surroundings of South Jakarta, she encouraged them to respect the rights of domestic workers working at their homes.

Dangdut is the Indonesian folk and traditional music. Dangdut is also a popular music in the country.

Please remember that domestic workers are not maid or assistant. They are workers just like other workers and they have the same rights just like other workers."

She reminded the participating homemakers to no longer use the term maid or pembantu in Indonesia and/or the term household assistant. “Please remember that domestic workers are not maid or assistant. They are workers just like other workers and they have the same rights just like other workers,” she said.

This campaign activity combined an informative talkshow with entertainment and was conducted by the ILO through its Promoting Decent Work for Domestic Workers (PROMOTE) Project. The first of its kinds, the activity was conducted in collaboration with Etnikom, a leading community organization in South Jakarta, in Jagakarsa area on 15 March.

I worked as a domestic worker, mostly for washing clothes, in several houses, from the year of 2002 to 2008. I was a widow with two little children and I had to support my family. And, I worked at people’s households washing clothes. So, I know how it really feels to be a domestic worker."

During the talkshow, Super Emak shared her own experience working as a domestic worker. She said that she well-understood the plight of domestic workers as she worked as a domestic worker in Surabaya, East Java, for six years. She deeply understood the heavy burdens that had to be faced by domestic workers as they still depended on the kindness of their employers in terms working hours, wage, working conditions and so forth.

“I worked as a domestic worker, mostly for washing clothes, in several houses, from the year of 2002 to 2008. I was a widow with two little children and I had to support my family. And, I worked at people’s households washing clothes. So, I know how it really feels to be a domestic worker,” she recalled her experience.

Her faith and life were drastically changed when she won the dangdut singer competition organized and aired by one of the national TV stations. Her melodious voice and her lively performance had won her the first place, bringing her fame and fortune. She was then known as a celebrity. In addition to singing, she is now busy being a presenter, entertainer and artist.

“You never know what will happen to your life. Thus, please respect your domestic worker since you never know whether your domestic worker would rise as a star,” she reminded, humorously, adding that she thanked the ILO for being involved in this campaign and reminding the participants to continue spreading the messages about decent work for domestic workers to their families and surrounding communities.