Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Protection Agency (BP2MI) emphasizes that efforts to eradicate human trafficking (TPPO) have no correlation with the reduced placement of Indonesian migrant workers.

"The slanted issue framed that eradicating the TPPO practices has disrupted the migrant worker placement is not true," the agency's head, Benny Ramdhani, said in his remarks during the send-off of 152 Indonesian migrant workers to South Korea on Sunday.

He argued that until now, his agency still continues placing the Indonesian migrant workers.

He stated that the data on the number of placements from the Government to Government scheme to South Korea as of 30 June 2023 was quite promising with 6.759 deployed workers. While in 2022, the number of Indonesian migrant workers who had been sent to South Korea reached 11.585 people.

Meanwhile, the total placement of Indonesian migrant workers as of 30 June 2023 had reached 135,791 people. In 2022, the total number was 200.761 workers. Therefore, Ramdhani said he is optimistic that the number of Indonesian migrant workers will continue to increase until the end of this year.

He noted that BP2MI is also committed to continuing endeavors to care for the Indonesian migrant workers.

"BP2MI will never be tired to assist our migrant workers. They will always be special for this country. Please honor their works. Do not belittle them," he remarked.

Moreover, he conveyed that BP2MI continues to improve the placement management even though it is hampered by the presence of an illegal placement syndicate for the workers.

"We are not silent, the National Police have worked and arrested suspected human traffickers. The law enforcement agencies will arrest the brokers, syndicate accomplices, and the masterminds," he reminded.

He also asked non-governmental organizations to work together to support efforts to halt the TPPO-related crimes.

"Some NGOs have supported efforts to eradicate the TPPO. BP2MI will also fully support the police," he added.

On the same occasion, he urged the migrant workers placed in South Korea to work well and maintain the good image of Indonesia in the country.

"You must be proud of being Indonesian migrant workers. The state has placed you in high regard. You are great people. A country like South Korea needs you," he said.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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