TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For many families in Hong Kong, these are the women who cook, bathe their elderly, and care for babies at home. Often unseen, but indispensable.
At least 230 migrant domestic workers—140 from Indonesia and 90 from the Philippines—resided and employed at Wang Fuk Court, where the deadliest fire in the city for decades raged last Wednesday.
As of Monday, December 1, 2025, nine Indonesian migrant workers have been confirmed dead in the fire, while two are receiving care in the hospital, and 45 others are still missing, according to the Indonesian Consulate in Hong Kong.
At least one migrant domestic worker from the Philippines has died, with seven others missing, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Sobs were heard at Victoria Park, Hong Kong, over the weekend as hundreds of migrant workers mourned the victims of Hong Kong's worst fire in a century. They prayed for their missing friends, with Filipino and Indonesian migrant workers being the most affected.
Many of them are left in a state of limbo after the disaster.
The tragedy that struck the high-rise buildings at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, has left migrant workers, often the overlooked segment of Hong Kong families, grappling with loss and uncertainty.
At least 10 migrant workers are confirmed among the 146 fatalities, according to a CNA report.
Hong Kong hosts nearly 370,000 migrant domestic workers, mostly women from Indonesia and the Philippines, who care for infants, the elderly, and disabled residents in a rapidly aging city. Many of them spend their only day off on Sundays by gathering in public spaces like Victoria Park or Central.
Solidarity in Struggle
Over the weekend, around a thousand Indonesian migrant workers carried banners of tribute, including one that read, "Dearly departed ones: highest respect and recognition to the loyalty and bravery of migrant domestic workers."
Sudarsih, an Indonesian worker who has been living in Hong Kong for 15 years, said two of her friends were still missing. "God bless, they will be found quickly and are safe," she told CNA.
Another Indonesian worker, Dwi Sayekti, 38, held back tears: "I hope in the future, it doesn't happen again. And all of those who lost their lives in Tai Po can be found."
Across the city, around 100 Filipino workers gathered for prayers in Central. "We are praying that hopefully there will be no more casualties in this fire tragedy," said Dolores Balladares, chairperson of United Filipinos in Hong Kong.
A widely circulated story within the migrant community depicts how a young Filipino worker, Rhodora Alcaraz, who had only been working at her new place for a few days, protected her three-month-old employer's baby during the fire.
Rescue teams reportedly found her still cradling the baby when smoke filled the apartment. She was being treated in the intensive care unit.
"We also salute her because she gave her best ... to protect the family," said Balladares.
Survivors' Compensation
According to CNA, the Manila Consulate in Hong Kong confirmed that a Filipino woman, Maryan Pascual Esteban, died, leaving behind a 10-year-old son in the Philippines. Seven other Filipino nationals remain unaccounted for, while one is injured.
The Indonesian Consulate informed CNA that nine Indonesian migrant workers died in the fire, one is injured, and 42 others are missing.
In its official statement, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided further verified figures: nine Indonesian victims, all women domestic workers, have died. Two are hospitalized but in stable condition; one has been repatriated.
The Ministry also reported that 140 Indonesian domestic workers were employed at Wang Fuk Court. Based on the latest information, 61 have been found, while 79 remain unaccounted for.
The Ministry detailed that the Indonesian Consulate in Hong Kong has taken several measures:
- Coordinated with Hong Kong authorities,
- opened an emergency post at the consulate on the night of the fire,
- deployed a verification team on-site after receiving local permission,
- distributed food, drinks, and sanitation packages,
- established another emergency post in Tai Po for identification, logistical assistance, and passport aid, and
- coordinated with community networks to track workers who have not been contacted.
The Directorate of Citizen Protection (PWNI) formed a Family Engagement Team to guide families through repatriation and financial rights.
More than 50 victims are seeking assistance from the Asian Migrants' Coordinating Body, which stated that many women need basic clothing and have lost passports and identification cards in the fire.
"Some actually cannot sleep well ... they are also traumatised," said spokesperson Shiela Tebia. Yet, many feel obligated to continue supporting grieving employers.
Migrant groups told CNA that consulate support is sometimes slow or unclear. "We are trying to make people less panicked," said Sringatin from the Indonesian Migrant Workers' Union.
Sringatin also urged the Hong Kong government to make special arrangements to ensure that foreign domestic workers impacted by the fire can continue to stay in the city if they lose their jobs.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong authorities promised HK$200,000 to each victim's family.
However, advocates argue that migrant worker survivors, many of whom have lost everything, also need support.
"What about those who survived?" said Edwina Antonio from Bethune House. "They are often the only breadwinners of their families."
In response, the Hong Kong Labour Department stated that it will handle cases of foreign domestic workers in a flexible manner.
The department also stated that those seeking new employment can apply to stay in Hong Kong "under exceptional circumstances."
The department has also set up a hotline for domestic workers affected by the fire and stated that they will provide compensation of HK$200,000 to the families of victims, including migrant workers.
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