DPR: Local Governments Vital to Illegal Migration Prevention

KBRN, Jakarta: Felly Estelita Runtuwene, the chairperson of Commission IX of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), highlighted the urgent need for local governments, from the provincial level to villages and sub-districts, to prevent the sending of illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). According to Felly, many of the tragic cases that befall migrant workers are rooted in administrative problems at the grassroots level.

"The role of local governments, even at the village level, is very important. Why? Because they usually issue permits for residents to leave the country. This is where we must intensively educate people about the dangers of being an illegal migrant worker so that there are no more victims,” said Felly after leading a working visit to Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday (06/02).

On Wednesday (06/04/2025), Felly added that many people, especially in North Sulawesi, do not fully understand the risks of working abroad without official procedures. They are often tempted by the lure of money from irresponsible brokers without realizing the serious threats that await them.

"Many do not know. Irresponsible people offer them Rp10 million to Rp15 million, and their families agree because they don't understand the risks. They go without the proper documentation or skills and end up becoming victims," he said.

Felly revealed that illegal migrant workers sent to countries like Cambodia are often forced to work in criminal environments, such as organized online scams. She referred to this practice as modern slavery. She also noted that North Sulawesi is the second-largest province for sending illegal migrant workers, after Sumatra. This should serve as a serious warning to village, subdistrict, and district officials not to grant travel permits too easily without understanding the purpose and status of their citizens' departure.

She emphasized the importance of widespread education and socialization about safe migration, starting from the lowest levels, and encouraged local governments to be more proactive in identifying potential victims of human trafficking.