A key step in this effort is the plan to establish a dedicated ministry for migrant worker protection, replacing the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) with the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI).
These measures come amid persistent cases of Indonesians working abroad without proper documentation, making them vulnerable to human trafficking.
To mark World Anti-Trafficking Day in July 2025, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union reported that 251 Indonesian migrant workers were suspected of being victims of trafficking across various sectors.
The Indonesian Migrant Workers Association, or Kabar Bumi, estimates that the number of undocumented workers is likely higher. Kabar Bumi Chairman Iweng Karsiwen told ANTARA on Saturday (December 6) that around 4.5 million Indonesians are working overseas without official documents, citing data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recognizing the risks faced by citizens working illegally abroad, the government has introduced a series of protection initiatives.
One of these efforts is the repatriation of Indonesian migrant workers, carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.
In March 2025, the government conducted a phased repatriation of 569 Indonesian migrant workers who had been trapped in an online scam operation in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
As of October 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recorded more than ten thousand online scam cases involving Indonesian citizens since 2020. The ministry also identified cases in which perpetrators operated from South Africa.
Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha said not all cases involved victims of human trafficking. Some Indonesians had knowingly accepted jobs with online fraud syndicates.
The promise of high salaries remains a major factor that lures Indonesians into online scam operations.
In some instances, individuals who were already working in decent jobs abroad shifted to online fraud because of the higher pay offered.
Nugraha added that among the Indonesians repatriated with government assistance, some returned to online scam operations after arriving back in Indonesia.
Strengthening protection
Given the recurring nature of human trafficking cases, the government continues to carry out repatriation initiatives and reinforce broader protection measures for Indonesian citizens.
These efforts target not only individuals suspected of experiencing exploitation or becoming victims of trafficking abroad, but also preventive measures within Indonesia to stop the non-procedural placement of migrant workers.
This strengthening is being led by the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), which is responsible for implementing these protection initiatives.
During the launch of the Plate Welder Training Program in November, Minister of P2MI Mukhtarudin emphasized that his ministry is committed to enhancing comprehensive protection for prospective migrant workers before departure, during their employment overseas, and after their return to Indonesia.
He stressed that the government’s priority is to ensure full protection for migrant workers, covering not only those facing problems but also those preparing to work abroad.
Protection efforts include outreach on the importance of safe migration, skills training, and education programs aimed at strengthening knowledge and financial literacy among prospective migrant workers.
Mukhtarudin explained that the government is involved from the earliest stages of preparing human resources, through the placement period abroad, and continuing upon the workers’ return to Indonesia.
Among the programs implemented by the ministry are the Golden Migrant Village initiative, the Financial Literacy Pocket Book, collaborations with ministries and institutions to prevent non-procedural departures, and law enforcement efforts through the establishment of a Rapid Response Team.
The Golden Migrant Village initiative aims to build a safe migration ecosystem through educational, progressive, and secure villages for Indonesian migrant workers.
The program involves cooperation between the government, communities, social institutions, the private sector, and village volunteers. Its objective is to provide integrated protection, optimal services, and empowerment for migrant workers and their families starting from the village level.
The program includes educational campaigns on safe migration, as well as learning, training, and information centers on proper migration procedures. It also provides fast-response complaint services and a legal aid network.
The ministry also launched the Financial Literacy Pocket Book to improve the financial management skills of migrant workers and their families, helping them make informed and responsible financial decisions.
Additional protection measures are implemented through cooperation with the police, military, immigration authorities, local governments, and other relevant institutions to prevent non-procedural departures of workers.
The ministry has also strengthened law enforcement by forming a Rapid Response Team to dismantle networks involved in the unlawful deployment of migrant workers, which often leads to human trafficking.
Ahead of Migrant Day, commemorated every December 18, Kabar Bumi noted that there remains substantial work for the government to achieve stronger and more effective protection for migrant workers.
One ongoing challenge is the societal perception that encourages individuals to go abroad through non-procedural channels, particularly to Saudi Arabia, in hopes of taking a faster route to perform the Hajj pilgrimage by working informally.
In addition, infrastructure gaps in services and preparation for migrant worker placement continue to pose challenges for those seeking safe and comfortable employment abroad.
With the government’s continued commitment and strong determination, it is hoped that ongoing protection efforts will produce concrete and constructive progress in improving safeguards for Indonesian migrant workers.
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
