Erwida Maulia, Jakarta – The government is considering whether it will equip Indonesian migrant workers overseas with cell phones to better enable them to reach officials in the event they face problems.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Friday, after a Cabinet meeting discussing workers' safety, that the government was considering this option to prevent more abuse cases against domestic workers.

"Based on our experience, we often receive reports on our migrant workers too late," Yudhoyono told a press conference at the Presidential Office. "We are discussing whether to equip migrant workers with cell phones, along with contact numbers of our nearest consulate generals and embassies, so that they can instantly communicate with our officers and the system is effective."

The President said the plan could be very helpful especially in the case where countries hosting Indonesian migrant workers had "closed" cultures.