"We are targeting to return 10 thousand Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia in 2018," Manalu noted while reaffirming the plan in Jakarta.
Manalu remarked that as part of the first stage, the ministry will move 155 migrant workers from Pasir Gudang Johor Baru, Malaysia, to a shelter for victims of human trafficking in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands Province, on Friday (Feb 19).
According to Manalu, the Indonesian government decided to take the step since the Malaysian authority had not deported undocumented migrant workers back to Indonesia for the last three months.
Hence, migrant workers, some of whom were victims of human trafficking, were left abandoned in neighboring Malaysia.
Before returning the migrant workers, the Social Ministry had contacted its representatives in the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching, Malaysia, informing that the entry point will be centered in Tanjung Pinang.
Once the migrant workers arrive, the ministry will transport them to their homes aboard ships operated by state-owned company PT PELNI or by buses owned by Perum Damri.
"We will ensure that all migrant workers are treated professionally in accordance with the standard operating procedure," Manalu remarked.
Thousands of Indonesian girls and women have reportedly become victims of human trafficking in Malaysia. These victims are lured with high paying jobs when, in fact, they are smuggled into Malaysia to work as undocumented domestic workers.
As the victims do not have the necessary documents, these migrant workers do not receive protection from the authority.
This month, Adelina Lisao, 21, an Indonesian migrant worker, was found dead after being allegedly abused by her employers in Penang, Malaysia.
Lisao had been reportedly tortured and for over a month was forced to sleep outside with the employer`s Rottweiler.
Following the incident, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has demanded justice for Lisao.
Marsudi stated that the Indonesian government will make all-out efforts to ensure that Lisao`s rights are fulfilled.
Reported by Desi Purnamawati
(UU.KR-GNT/A/KR-BSR/A014)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
