RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Highlighting its humanitarian commitment, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur has facilitated the return of 198 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from immigration depots across Peninsular Malaysia.

Many of those repatriated belong to vulnerable groups, including women, children, individuals in poor health, and detainees who had spent extended periods in custody.

Coordinator for Protocol and Consular Affairs at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Octavin Dewi Zulaicha, known as Vivin, said the workers were flown home on Thursday, July 23, to two debarkation points: 82 to Medan and 116 to Jakarta.

The group included migrants from Aceh, North Sumatra, South Sumatra, West Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara. "They were returned to Medan and Jakarta,” Vivin explained in a statement on Friday, July 24, as quoted by Antara.

The embassy underscored that the repatriation was a crucial step in providing humanitarian protection and legal certainty for the workers.

The process was carried out in close coordination with Malaysia’s Immigration Department (JIM) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), as well as with Indonesian agencies such as the Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI), to ensure smooth reintegration upon arrival.

This marks the fifth wave of repatriations in 2026, following earlier operations in February, March, April, and June. Since the beginning of the year, the embassy has facilitated the return of 696 Indonesians from Malaysian immigration detention centers.

Vivin stressed that the initiative reflects the embassy’s consistent efforts to safeguard the rights of Indonesian citizens, particularly those in vulnerable conditions. Most of the migrants faced immigration violations such as overstaying, while others were involved in criminal cases.

“The embassy always seeks a balanced approach, respecting local laws while ensuring the fundamental rights of our citizens,” she said.

The embassy urged Indonesians abroad to comply with local regulations and understand their rights and responsibilities while working or living overseas to avoid future legal problems.

The Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed its commitment to providing optimal protection while strengthening preventive measures through greater awareness of safe and responsible migration. ***