Cianjur Government Seeks Foreign Ministry Help to Repatriate Migrant Worker

The Cianjur Regency Government in West Java is employing various methods to repatriate Ai Juariah (43), a migrant worker from Karangwangi Village who is facing problems in Libya, by requesting assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Head of the Cianjur Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans) Deny Widya Lesmana stated on Tuesday that the worker, who departed illegally or non-procedurally 14 months ago, had changed employers 11 times. Although locating the victim was initially difficult, information from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates her whereabouts have been found, her health is improving, and efforts are underway to bring her back to Indonesia. During her employment abroad, the victim never received wages as she was paid through a third party, which the office is still investigating. It has been confirmed that the victim’s departure to Libya was illegal, so she was not registered with the Cianjur Disnakertrans or any other agency. This made locating her difficult when problems arose, prompting the office to send a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in the search and repatriation process for the migrant worker, who had posted a video on social media asking the West Java Governor and the President of Indonesia for help to return home after suffering abuse. ‘We immediately sent a letter to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in the search and repatriation of Ai Juariah. The ministry’s quick response led to locating and meeting with the individual concerned,’ he said. He expressed hope that the victim’s repatriation process can be carried out soon so she can reunite with her family in Cianjur, noting that the latest information indicates the victim is already within the Indonesian Embassy compound in Libya. Amid the persistently high number of illegal migrant worker departures to prohibited countries, such as those in the Middle East, he urged the public not to be tempted by promises of high salaries and comfortable placements that ultimately lead to suffering. ‘Please come to the Cianjur Manpower and Transmigration Office if you wish to work abroad. Ensure the destination country is safe and not prohibited. We will provide information so that your departure is registered and legal,’ he said.