BP2MI Repatriates 25,000 Problematic Indonesian Migrant Workers in 2025, Including 626 Bodies

The Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) has reported facilitating the return of approximately 25,000 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) who encountered problems abroad throughout 2025. This total includes the deeply concerning repatriation of 626 bodies.

Based on compiled data, the repatriation of tens of thousands of these workers covers various categories of issues, ranging from PMI facing legal troubles and unilateral termination of employment to those who became victims of human trafficking (TPPO).

BP2MI stressed that this repatriation process is part of the state’s responsibility to provide comprehensive protection to these foreign exchange heroes. Cross-ministerial and institutional coordination continues to be strengthened to ensure that troubled PMI can return safely to their home regions.

High mortality rates among migrant workers were primarily attributed to illegal departure routes, leaving them without adequate health protection or insurance in their placement countries. In response to this data, BP2MI is intensifying efforts to promote legal and procedural departures. Strengthening the Government-to-Government (G to G) placement scheme and improving the competence of prospective migrant workers are top priorities to reduce the number of problematic PMI in the future. The government also urged the public not to be easily tempted by job offers abroad with high salaries circulated on social media without going through official procedures registered with BP2MI or the local Manpower Office.