KUALA LUMPUR - The government of Indonesia has launched the National Movement for Safe Migrants to strengthen protection for Indonesian migrant workers overseas.
The initiative was introduced by the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) together with the Presidential Staff Office and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
The programme aims to address issues faced by migrant workers, including illegal recruitment, fraud and human trafficking linked to overseas employment.
Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin said stronger cooperation among government agencies is needed to improve protection for migrant workers.
“Today, as a joint commitment of all stakeholders, including the government and in line with the President’s directive, we must enhance protection for migrant workers,” he said during a press conference on May 18.
Mukhtarudin said the launch of the initiative was held at the KP2MI Ministry Office in Jakarta.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between ministries and agencies to combat illegal syndicates involved in migrant worker placement.
Mukhtarudin said many workers had become victims of fraud, exploitation and human trafficking due to illegal recruitment practices.
He added that KP2MI would work closely with relevant agencies to strengthen protection for Indonesian workers abroad.
“After today, we will carry out large-scale activities across Indonesia, including at all service centers, regional technical units, local governments, organizations, and strategic partners to implement the National Movement for Safe Migrants,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim said a more comprehensive approach is needed to address migrant worker issues.
“Why is this important? Because many Indonesian migrant workers abroad still have incomplete documents. For years, we have not provided them with optimal attention,” he said.
He said many migrant workers continue to face problems overseas because they travelled through illegal channels and lacked proper documents.
Silmy said his ministry would work with KP2MI to assist migrant workers from the passport application process until their departure overseas.
He added that both ministries would ensure workers have complete documentation before leaving the country for employment.
The ministries will also cooperate through immigration attachés and KP2MI representatives abroad to handle issues involving Indonesian migrant workers in destination countries.
Chief of Presidential Staff Dudung Abdurachman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting migrant workers through stronger monitoring and readiness assessments before departure.
