"I suggest the government must be firm and re-record problematic agencies. Revoke the permits and give appropriate punishment," he said in a statement received on Wednesday.
He conveyed the statement in response to the case of an Indonesian migrant worker from Bali, identified by the initials NKM, who fell victim to human trafficking in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he was lured with the promise of a high salary by an employment agency.
Rudana said that he was concerned about NKM, who was treated inhumanely and made to work under conditions that were in violation of the work agreement. He then asked the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, to facilitate the return of NKM to Indonesia.
"I am grateful to have just received news today that NKM will be repatriated on Thursday (June 29, 2023) from Sri Lanka. The Indonesian Embassy in Sri Lanka's quick actions to summon the related company and repatriate NKM should be appreciated," he said.
According to him, the government needs to formulate a road map to protect Indonesian migrant workers—which would include legal, economic, and social protection before, during, and after getting employed —that covers workers' placement and economic empowerment.
He expressed the hope that law enforcement officials in the country will continue to work hard to thwart the trafficking of persons to overseas countries.
Immigration officers and the Indonesian Migrant Workers' Protection Agency (BP2MI) must also strictly oversee workers planning to travel abroad, he added.
Rudana further said that BKSAP also has an important role in monitoring Indonesian migrant workers.
This is because the agency has been assigned the function of fostering, developing, and enhancing friendly and cooperative relations between the DPR and the parliaments of other countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including with international organizations that bring together parliaments and/or members of other countries' parliaments.
"Thus, our task is not only to foster bilateral relations, but also to maintain the nation's dignity by overseeing the provision of protection for citizens abroad, including immigrant workers," he stated.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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