'Not taking over their responsibility': How Indonesian representatives abroad protect their citizens

Following reports of Australia-born baby where its Indonesian parents did not want to care for, SBS Indonesian contacted the Indonesian representative in Sydney regarding the extent to which this issue was the government's responsibility.

To what extent does the Indonesian government protect its citizens abroad? Source: iStockphoto / globalmoments/Getty Images

It was reported in the Indonesian community in Sydney that there was an Australian-born baby, of Indonesian citizen parents, who was given up for adoption because the parents did not want to take responsibility for looking after it.

Regarding the matter, SBS Indonesian is seeking an explanation of how this happened, who should be responsible, and how far responsibility is shared between the family, Indonesian representatives and the Australia's related institution.

We prioritise the involvement of responsible parties.

Arya Putubaya - Consul of Protocol and Consular, Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney

Consul of Protocol and Consular from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney said that this kind of responsibility cannot simply be handed over to the state, and that local representatives can help according to their jurisdiction.

Listen to the full interview.

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