Indonesia Strengthens Migrant Worker Protection and Job Opportunities in Türkiye

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is intensifying efforts to protect its citizens abroad while expanding safe employment pathways.

Indonesian Ambassador to Türkiye, Achmad Rizal Purnama, conducted a working visit to Fethiye to strengthen protection for Indonesian citizens and ensure safe job opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) remain accessible in the country’s growing tourism sector.

The visit highlighted significant job prospects for PMI in Türkiye, particularly in hospitality, manufacturing, construction, services, and tourism support sectors, according to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara.

During the trip, Ambassador Rizal discussed expanding employment opportunities through regulated, safe placement mechanisms with maximum worker protection in a meeting with Uğur Serindağ, CEO of Orka Sunlife Resort Hotel.

Serindağ expressed appreciation for Indonesian workers’ performance and signaled interest in recruiting more from Indonesia in the coming year.

The ambassador also met with around 40 Indonesian workers employed at the resort, listening to their experiences, reviewing working conditions, and encouraging them to maintain professionalism and uphold Indonesia’s reputation.

“Among many Indonesians seeking jobs in Türkiye, those here are selected individuals. This opportunity must be maintained through hard work, discipline, and professionalism,” Rizal said on Monday, May 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He also urged workers to reflect Indonesia’s values through strong work ethics, friendliness, and responsibility.

One worker, Desi from Lampung, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the embassy’s support.

“We are happy to work here and gain new experiences. Thank you to the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara for visiting us and encouraging us to keep performing well,” she said.

The embassy noted that hospitality remains one of the most promising sectors for Indonesian workers, especially in tourism hubs such as Antalya, Muğla, Bodrum, and Istanbul. Jobs typically include housekeeping, spa therapy, food service, kitchen work, and other hotel roles.

Türkiye recorded 52.77 million tourists in 2025, generating USD 61.1 billion in tourism revenue, ranking it among the world’s top five destinations. From a protection standpoint, legally employed foreign workers in Türkiye are entitled to the same labor rights as local workers.

Data shows Indonesian worker placements in Türkiye rose by 151.36 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 13,781 Indonesians currently holding valid work permits. ***