A Journey of Sacrifice and Responsibility

Mdm Sulistiani came to Singapore in 2000 to build a better future for her family back home in Indonesia. As the fourth of eleven children, she carried a heavy responsibility from a young age. Her parents are ageing, and over the years, she became one of the main pillars supporting the household. She was prepared to give herself wholeheartedly to hard work to meet her family’s needs.

In 2007, she began working for her longstanding employer of 16 years, caring for their family and helping to raise their three children. For many years, she carried out her duties faithfully. Her salary was modest, about $800 a month including compensation for off-days, but she made it work. She sent money home, helped her siblings through school, and ensured her parents were cared for.

When Hard Work Went Unpaid

Things began to change in 2016 when payments from her employer became irregular, but Mdm Sulistiani chose to endure. She had already built her life around this job, and her family continued to rely on her income. She hoped the situation would improve.

However, by 2020, her employer declared bankruptcy. Years of unpaid wages accumulated, and what she was owed continued to grow. From 2016 to 2023, a total of $52,000 was owed to her. Only $15,000 was ever paid, leaving $39,000 still unpaid today. In 2023, when MOM became aware of the situation, the employer was promptly investigated and prosecuted in 2025 for failing to pay Sulistiani’s salary.

Sulistiani was not aware of her employer’s bankruptcy. A well-natured person of trusting nature, she held on to the hope that her employer’s situation would improve, and that she would eventually receive what she had rightfully earned. Instead, she found herself with little savings and nothing to show for her years of hard work.

Still Standing, Still Giving

Today, Mdm Sulistiani continues to push forward. She is currently employed as a dishwasher under a valid work permit supported by MOM, doing what she can to save before returning to Indonesia. Her permit is set to end in October, and she plans to go home to start a new chapter of her life.

Even now, her focus remains on others. She continues to support her ageing parents and carries the hope of eventually building a family of her own.

Mdm Sulistiani is not asking for more than what she has already given. The wages she is owed cannot be recovered due to her employer’s legal situation. While no one can replace that obligation, this campaign seeks to offer support as a gesture of goodwill.

Your contribution will help ease the financial gap left behind by years of unpaid work. It will give her a chance to return home with some stability, dignity, and the ability to finally move forward.

Every amount, no matter how small, is a step towards recognising her years of dedication and helping her rebuild what was lost.

How Can You Help?

Your support can help Mdm Sulistiani recover from her situation after years of hard work and loss. While this cannot replace the wages owed to her, your donation will help ease her financial burden and provide her with some stability as she prepares to return home. 

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.