"PMI protection is a joint task that should be implemented by all relevant parties, including local governments," the deputy for placement and protection for Asia-Africa region at BP2MI, Lasro Simbolon, said during a media gathering here on Friday.
He added that BP2MI is a body mandated by law that handles a very large number of migrant workers.
Based on Law No. 18 of 2017, the protection of migrant workers is not only the duty of the central government and ministries, but also of provincial, district/city, and village governments.
"There is a mandate for provincial, district/city governments, and even village governments to disseminate information and advice to migrant workers and the community. The local government facilitates the training of prospective migrant workers through vocational training," he said.
He informed that the number of migrant workers who have been officially placed via legal channels is around 4.8 million. The World Bank in 2017 pegged the number of Indonesian migrant workers employed abroad at nine million at least.
Therefore, he said, many workers are not registered in the government-run system because they were placed non-procedurally or unofficially by illegal syndicates.
"Those who depart unofficially will be vulnerable to risks and problems. Migrant workers must depart officially and procedurally in order to be protected by the state," he said.
For this reason, the support and commitment of stakeholders, including local governments, are needed to provide protection to migrant workers and prevent illegal placements, he added.
BP2MI is collaborating with law enforcement officials to protect migrant workers better.
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Translator: Kenzu, Nur A
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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