"This KUR is a policy by the Minister of Finance and us, and today, technically, we are collaborating with Bank Indonesia, possibly with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) as well, and other institutions for financing," said Minister of P2MI Abdul Kadir Karding at the launch of the program here on Friday.
Karding said the KUR financing scheme is provided to prospective migrant workers who have difficulty obtaining funding for their placement process.
"They want to work, but they don't have the money. So they look for alternatives. What alternatives? They borrow from online lenders, from unaccredited, unreliable financial institutions, with high interest rates," he said.
"If this happens, they, the poor, are burdened with debt with high interest rates, and their work income is only used to pay off the debt," Karding added.
Therefore, KP2MI is promoting a financing scheme to help cover placement costs for prospective migrant workers, including training, departure, and living expenses until they receive their wages. "And, if possible, it is also for empowerment," the minister said.
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Through this program, Karding hopes that the KUR can resolve the financing problems that prospective migrant workers might face so that they can be better protected and safe.
For its implementation, KP2MI collaborates with Bank Indonesia, as well as various other banks and financial institutions.
Karding said that prospective migrant workers who want to take advantage of the assistance do not need to provide guarantees, with a maximum loan of up to Rp100 million (about US$6,070).
Prospective migrant workers wishing to use the program only need a national identification number, to be registered as a migrant worker (PMI), and to have a placement agreement. "That's it; there aren't many requirements," Karding said.
In the meantime, prospective migrant workers can use the KUR for training, departure, and living expenses before they work or before they receive payment.
"This KUR helps cover placement costs legally and transparently. This is crucial, both legally and transparently, because so far they've sought financing from brokers and unspecified debt," Karding said.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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