Cianjur Among Top Three Regions Sending Undocumented Migrant Workers
The head of the Balai Pelayanan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (BP3MI) for West Java, Commissioner Singgih Hermawan, explained that there are three areas in West Java whose residents make up a considerable share of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). Ironically, most of them depart without legal procedures, making them non-procedural.
“Cianjur is one of the places, one of the regencies, that sends many workers or migrant workers abroad without proper procedures. Cianjur is among the top three, after Indramayu and Cirebon,” said Singgih in Cianjur recently.
To prevent non-procedural migrant departures, particularly in Cianjur Regency, BP3MI West Java will coordinate with the regional government and the local police, including village administrations, which are more familiar with residents’ conditions on the ground.
“We hope the collaboration between the Ministry of P2MI, the Cianjur Regency Government, the Cianjur Police and the Child Protection Office can map out residents or prospective workers intending to depart abroad non-procedurally,” he affirmed.
Non-procedural migrant workers are relatively vulnerable to problems at their workplaces. Moreover, they have no guarantees whatsoever when confronted with difficulties.
“There are quite a lot (of troubled PMI). Including recently, the Governor of West Java repatriated workers from Arab countries. There were also cases from Asia-Pacific. There are always repatriations happening from time to time,” he concluded.
A few days ago, a Cianjur resident was successfully repatriated from Libya. The resident, named Ai Juariah, is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking (TPPO).
“We urge residents who wish to work abroad to go through official channels. If in doubt, please coordinate with the Cianjur Regency Manpower and Transmigration Office,” said the Regent of Cianjur, Mohammad Wahyu Ferdian.
Wahyu assured that prospective PMI departing through official channels will receive various guarantees, including not only protection but also assurances regarding their workplace and type of work.
“Should anything unwanted happen, there will be compensation or health insurance,” he concluded.