Indonesia Pledges Stronger Protection for Migrant Workers During Eid

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s government has used the Eid al-Fitr holiday to reaffirm its commitment to improving services and protections for millions of Indonesians working abroad, as Muslims around the world mark the end of Ramadan.

Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Minister Mukhtarudin delivered the message in a video statement from Jakarta on Friday, March 20, 2026, calling for stronger dedication to safeguarding Indonesian migrant workers.

“Let us strengthen our commitment to providing the best services and protection for all Indonesian migrant workers,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

He also extended Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri greetings to Indonesians, especially migrant workers celebrating overseas, expressing hopes that the occasion would bring renewed spirituality, gratitude, and peace. He encouraged Indonesians to use the holiday to strengthen unity and social bonds through gatherings and mutual support.

Eid al-Fitr was observed in several countries on March 20, 2026, while in Indonesia celebrations varied, with some Muslims marking the holiday on Friday and others on Saturday, March 21.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs officially declared that Shawwal 1, 1447 Hijri, or Eid Al-Fitr, fell on Saturday, March 21, after confirming that the hilal (new moon) was not visible, according to Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar during an isbat (moonsighting) conference in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, chairman of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, had earlier urged Indonesians to respect differences in determining the Eid date and to use the occasion as a moment to deepen religious values in personal, social, and national life.

The message underscores Indonesia’s broader effort to combine religious observance with social responsibility, particularly toward its large migrant worker population spread across the globe. ***