By 2023, there will be 600,000 new immigrants in Taiwan, and the number of Indonesian new immigrants is also rising, according to figures from National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior. However, there aren't many pertinent units to assist Indonesian new immigrants in Taiwan, Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶), who has been here for more than 20 years, is committed to dedicate her life to public welfare. To assist more new immigrants, she founded the "Taiwan Indonesian New Immigrants Development Association" (臺灣印尼新住民發展協會).
Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶), who has been here for more than 20 years, is committed to dedicate her life to public welfare.Photo provided by Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶)
Being proficient in Chinese, English, and Bahasa Indonesia gives Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶), an Indonesian overseas Chinese who graduated from the university's English Department, a significant edge in the job market in Indonesia. According to Hong Jingjing, who got married in Taiwan, the adjustment and adaption process took many years. When she initially got married, according to Hong Jing-jing, she resided in Tainan with her husband and in-laws. Being unable to communicate in Taiwanese made it extremely difficult for her to get along with her in-laws, and adjusting to a new culture and set of traditions will ultimately lead to conflict.
It is hoped that through the establishment of the Taiwan Indonesia New Immigrants Development Association, it will help more new immigrants in Taiwan who need help.Photo provided by Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶)
Hong Jing-jing may better comprehend that early on, Taiwanese society still had misconceptions and biases toward new immigrants since she has gone through a time of cultural assimilation. Due to their limited language abilities, many of the new Indonesian immigrants around her may not be as fortunate. They are therefore more likely to meet difficulties in Taiwan but lacks the knowledge of how to ask for assistance. The warm-hearted Hong wants to assist new Indonesian immigrants who are having trouble in Taiwan based on her language skills. Therefore, Hong Jing-jing started working as an interpreter to assist them as they adjusted to life in Taiwan and subsequently started getting touch with the work as court interpreter.
Hong Jingjing from Indonesia founded an association to advance public welfare for new immigrants in Taiwanese society.Photo provided by Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶)
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According to Hong Jing-jing, the early laws and policies were imperfect. Due to the absence of legal support, many new immigrants who assist in interpreting work may only receive relatively modest remuneration as interpreters in courts and police stations. Even many of new immigrant women have experienced domestic abuse and other cruel treatment, but they are unable to get legal counsel. Years of experience as a court interpreter have given Hong Jing-jing more motivation to start an organization that would aid Indonesian fellows. In order to assist more Indonesian new immigrants o Taiwan who require assistance, she founded the "Taiwan Indonesia New Immigrants Development Association" in 2018.
Hong Jingjing from Indonesia founded an association to advance public welfare for new immigrants in Taiwanese society.Photo provided by Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶)
Hong Jing-jing (洪晶晶), who is currently serving as the chairman of the Taiwan Indonesia New Immigration Development Association and actively taking part in service work for new immigrants, has experienced social misunderstanding and prejudice against new immigrants, inspiring many new immigrants into the community to engage in public welfare activities and care for the disadvantaged, while also successfully bringing about many changes.
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