Immigration engages village heads in Konsel to strengthen PMI oversight and prevent human trafficking/smuggling

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Sulawesi Tenggara Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration has collaborated with village heads in South Konawe Regency (Konsel) to strengthen oversight of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) as an effort to prevent Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling Crimes (TPPO/TPPM).

Head of the Sulawesi Tenggara Immigration Regional Office, Ganda Samosir, stated when met in South Konawe on Tuesday that the involvement of village heads is crucial because they are the frontline directly facing the community at the grassroots level.

“This socialisation aims to encourage active participation from village officials in mitigating the risks of PMI departing through non-procedural means,” said Ganda Samosir.

“In addition, the main points discussed include regulations on foreign workers (TKA) engaging in mixed marriages with locals, as well as the importance of vigilance regarding the presence of foreigners in rural areas,” he added.

Ganda Samosir revealed that 30 participants were specifically invited, consisting of village heads, sub-district heads, and related agency heads within the South Konawe Regency Government.

“The participants come from areas mapped as PMI hubs, regions with foreign worker activities, and points with high trends of mixed marriages,” Ganda Samosir explained.

“Through this step, it is hoped that village heads can immediately implement the information obtained by conducting further socialisation to their residents,” he clarified.

According to him, this is intended to make the community more alert and understand legal rules, both regarding plans to work abroad and in monitoring the activities of foreign nationals entering their areas.