"We keep encouraging all parties, especially regional heads, and health polytechnics as producers of health workers (to reaffirm their commitment to protecting migrant workers)," BP2MI's main secretary, Rinardi, said here on Tuesday.
He made the remarks during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with local governments, educational institutions, and other related institutions on strengthening migrant worker protection efforts.
Rinardi said that local governments and other parties must implement Law No.18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.
The MoU is a part of the implementation of President Joko Widodo's directive to protect Indonesian migrant workers "from head to toe as well as optimize various potentials and opportunities for migrant workers," he added.
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Rinardi then informed that one of the problems faced by prospective migrant workers looking to go to Germany to work as nurses is the cost of taking the German language exam.
He said that local governments need to play a role in helping the prospective migrant workers as they can make Rp35 million to Rp42 million per month working as nurses in Germany.
"This can reduce the unemployment rate and improve the economy in the regions (where the migrant workers come from)," he added.
Rinardi expressed the hope that after the signing of the MoU, there will be concrete steps from the local governments, educational institutions, and other parties to realize the protection of migrant workers.
"This must not only be limited to signing, but it needs implementation. South Korea is currently the favorite country for placement. Around 35 thousand people have signed up, even though we received only 15 thousand this year. The remaining 20 thousand will wait for next year," he informed.
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Translator: Zubi M, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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