BP3MI NTT facilitates repatriation of four Indonesian migrant workers' remains from Malaysia
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) — The Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection and Services Office (BP3MI) in East Nusa Tenggara has facilitated the repatriation of four deceased Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia to their respective home districts in the province.
“Today there are four bodies being returned, so since January 2016 a total of 32 bodies of migrant workers from East Nusa Tenggara have been repatriated from Malaysia. All of them are still dominated by non-procedural migrant workers,” said Yonas Bahan, a junior legal advisor at BP3MI East Nusa Tenggara, in Kupang on Monday.
The four deceased are Martinus Beding from Lembata District, Reni Anakapu from East Sumba District, Ferdinandus Bria from Malaka District, and Martha Tualaka from South Central Timor District.
He stated that according to data, three of the deceased were not registered in the BP3MI system and are therefore categorised as non-procedural or illegal migrant workers. Meanwhile, Matius Beding is recorded as having departed through BP3MI North Kalimantan.
“Regarding Matius’s entitlements, BP3MI will coordinate with his family to handle various rights that may be available, including the possibility of insurance claims and other administrative processes,” he said.
The body from Lembata District is planned to be repatriated using the Pelni ship KM Tidar from Kupang to Lewoleba on Tuesday (10 March). “Meanwhile, the body from East Sumba will be connected today with a Wings Air flight to be flown to East Sumba,” he said.
He noted that in 2026 the repatriation of bodies of migrant workers from East Nusa Tenggara originated mostly from Ende District, followed by Malaka District, East Flores, and then South Central Timor District.
“For this reason, we from the government continue to urge the public who wish to work abroad to depart through official channels,” he said.
He reminded prospective migrant workers that they can seek information through the Labour and Transmigration Office in their respective districts or cities to obtain clear information and depart through proper procedures and work safely abroad.