Indonesia Strengthens Safeguards Against Illegal Migrant Worker Practices

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta –-The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) officially launched the National Safe Migrant Movement at the KP2MI Office in Jakarta on Monday, May 18, 2026, to strengthen efforts against illegal placement of migrant workers.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to integrated protection for Indonesian migrant workers from pre-departure, during employment abroad, to their return home.

Before the official launch, a video message from President Prabowo Subianto was played, warning the public against illegal placement practices. “Do not be deceived by syndicates promising this and that. If you enter a foreign country illegally, they will act against you. I remind our people not to be misled,” President Prabowo said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin emphasized that the transformation of BP2MI into P2MI, as mandated by Presidential Regulations No. 139/2024 and No. 90/2024, marks a major shift from operator to regulator. “The President instructed us to improve protection for migrant workers. Before, during, and after employment, while optimizing skilled placements,” he said.

He highlighted migrant workers as “economic fighters” whose sacrifices drive prosperity. Bank Indonesia recorded remittances of IDR 288 trillion in 2025, fueling family welfare and productive businesses in agriculture, culinary arts, creative industries, and education. “From safe migration comes independence and prosperity, what we call brain circulation,” Minister Mukhtarudin added.

From January to April 2026, P2MI prevented 1,353 illegal departures at border points, removed 4,213 harmful digital contents related to migrant placement, and handled 1,173 complaints from workers abroad. “The state must be present, not only through policies on paper but directly in people’s lives,” Minister Mukhtarudin stressed.

The National Safe Migrant Movement adopts five strategies: massive information dissemination, risk mitigation in vulnerable areas, cross-sector collaboration, village-based education through the Golden Migrant Village program, and mobilizing retired migrant workers as trusted community educators. To date, 669 Golden Migrant Villages have been established nationwide.

Mukhtarudin urged local administrations, village leaders, religious figures, the media, and digital activists to promote safe migration education and protect communities from illegal syndicates.

At the launch, P2MI symbolically distributed Electronic Migrant Worker Cards (E-PMI) to three prospective workers, strengthening digital-based legal, social, and economic protection. In a warm moment, Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung personally handed a card to a worker from Indramayu, reminding them: “Safeguard the nation’s honor. Every migrant worker is a representative of Indonesia abroad.” ***