Indonesian band stands up for Taiwan’s migrant workers

Southern Riot uses poetry and punk to fight against migrant worker exploitation in Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan – Rudi, surrounded by his bandmates, performs in Taiwan's Kaohsiung city. Their music speaks out against the system of slavery that often exploits migrant workers. As the crowd chants along, a banner behind Rudi reads, "Migrant workers have the right to a voice."

Originally from Indramayu, West Java, Rudi faced job scarcity in Indonesia and later moved to Taiwan in search of better opportunities as a factory worker. Despite the higher earnings in Taiwan, many migrant workers face exploitation, debt, and abuse. In response, workers are forming unions and protesting through various artistic forms.

Southern Riot, consisting of four Indonesian workers including Rudi, uses poetry and punk to protest against the perceived enslavement of migrants. They provide a platform for migrant workers to express themselves and find solace in their music.

Facing exploitation

Southern Riot guitarist playing on stage with banners that say 'We are not robots' and 'We are humans too'

Most workers in Taiwan come through agencies that charge exorbitant placement fees, pushing workers into debt. For instance, Ronalyn Asis had to pay significant sums before working as a domestic caretaker in Taiwan. The exploitation continues as workers are overworked, underpaid, and often subjected to harsh conditions outside their contracts.

Southern Riot's guitarist playing on stage. There are banners in Indonesian saying 'We are not robots' and 'We are humans too'. The guitarist has curly black hair and is wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. He has his left foot up on one of the speakers and is balancing the guitar on his knee — Southern Riot was formed three years ago by a group of migrant workers from Indonesia [Jan Camenzind Broomby/Al Jazeera]

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Three migrant worker women at a protest. They are wearing purple T-shirts and have bandanas around their heads. They are carrying pink placards which together spell the word 'ONE'. They are smiling. — Most of Taiwan’s migrant workers come from less wealthy countries in Southeast Asia [Jan Camenzind Broomby/Al Jazeera]

Feeling Powerless

Migrant workers can be left powerless against employers who may exploit or mistreat them. Liezel Bartolome from the Philippines faced challenges with her employers, including support withdrawal during her cancer treatment.

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Liezel Bartolome. She is standing in an office. She is wearing a black T-shirt with the word 'Beautiful' written on the front. She has long black hair. — Liezel Bartolome says she would always pretend she was happy when she spoke to her family back home in the Philippines [Jan Camenzind Broomby/Al Jazeera]

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In Taiwan, some workers find a supportive community through various migrant-run establishments and NGOs, advocating for their rights and expressing themselves through creative means.

Southern Riot taking a bow. They are lined up on the stage. They look tired but happy — Southern Riot take a bow. They started the band for fun, but it quickly acquired a more political dimension [Jan Camenzind Broomby/Al Jazeera]

Rudi and Southern Riot conclude their set, hoping their music sheds light on the struggles of migrant workers and provides a platform for their voices to be heard.