"I will deal with all those who are malicious. There is no room for negotiation!" Karding declared during a public lecture titled "The Role of the Government in the Challenges and Opportunities of Migrant Worker Protection in the Era of Globalization" at the University of Lampung on Friday (May 16).
He made this statement in response to the increasing number of cases involving Indonesian migrant workers being sent abroad through non-procedural or illegal channels. Some of these cases involved companies supplying workers to foreign countries.
"One thing is clear: if I find any evidence, I will deal with them on the spot. We are dealing with people's lives here, and we do not want to play games," Karding asserted.
He affirmed that the government is prioritizing efforts to address illegal recruitment agents and their involvement in the unlawful deployment of migrant workers.
"These agents must be eradicated. What worries me is that they are not just sending workers without following the proper procedures but also extorting money from people whose lives are already difficult. There are far too many like this," he stressed.
To prevent illegal recruitment of migrant workers, Karding stated that his ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Villages to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving the country without official documents.
Karding also highlighted that his side continues to conduct impromptu inspections at Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Centers (BP3MI) in various regions to ensure optimal services.
“I am checking which centers are the slowest in following procedures, and we will cut out anything unnecessary," he concluded.
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Translator: Katriana, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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