1. The Controversy: Yanti’s TikTok Live Streams
Currently, the most heavily discussed trend involves a TKW named Yanti, who sparked massive outrage on TikTok for what netizens are calling “ngemis online” (online begging).
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The Incident: Yanti went viral for hosting live streams on TikTok where she received high-value digital gifts, most notably the “Gift Paus” (Whale Gift), which can be cashed out for hundreds of thousands of Rupiah.
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The Backlash: She received these gifts by allegedly engaging in inappropriate and provocative behavior on camera to entice viewers.
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The Public Reaction: The videos of her live streams spread rapidly across TikTok and YouTube, drawing fierce criticism. Indonesian netizens and other migrant workers condemned her actions, arguing that she was embarrassing the country and tarnishing the reputation of hard-working TKWs who go abroad to earn an honest living.
2. The Hero: Maya’s Earthquake Rescue
On a much more positive note, a separate CCTV video of a TKW named Maya in New Taipei City went globally viral following the massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan.
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The Incident: Maya was working as a live-in caregiver for an elderly, bedridden Taiwanese grandmother. When the violent earthquake struck, the room began shaking violently, and items started falling.
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The Action: Instead of running out of the room to save herself, the CCTV footage shows Maya immediately rushing to the hospital bed. She climbed onto the bed and threw her own body over the grandmother, shielding her head and body from potential falling debris until the shaking stopped.
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The Public Reaction: The video was picked up by both Taiwanese and international news outlets. Maya received widespread global praise for her sheer bravery and selflessness, and the employer’s family publicly expressed their deep gratitude for her life-saving dedication.
