Immigration: Migrant Workers Contribute IDR 433 Trillion in Foreign Exchange in 2025
The Directorate General of Immigration has inaugurated a special lounge facility for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. This facility is provided as a form of appreciation for the significant contributions of migrant workers to the nation.
“Throughout 2025, PMI are recorded to have contributed foreign exchange of around IDR 430-433 trillion,” stated Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko during the inauguration of the PMI Lounge at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
Hendarsam explained that this foreign exchange makes PMI one of the largest contributors after the oil and gas sector.
He described the figure as an achievement that demonstrates the strategic role of PMI in the national economy. “This number is very large and deserves our appreciation. They work not only for their families but also for the country and nation,” said Hendarsam.
He added that the presence of the PMI lounge is a tangible form of the state’s attention to migrant workers. Previously, lounge facilities were associated with paid services for middle and upper classes. However, PMI now receive free access as a form of respect.
“This is our offering to the foreign exchange heroes. The state must be present, immigration must be present, providing the best services,” said Hendarsam.
In addition to a resting area, the lounge provides free drinks and light snacks for PMI. The facility also displays products made by inmates from correctional institutions. This is part of the synergy between the Directorate General of Immigration and the Directorate General of Corrections within the same ministry.
“We hope PMI also become ambassadors for Indonesian MSMEs abroad, bringing pride to domestic products,” said Hendarsam.
The Head of the Banten Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Service Centre, Commissioner General Budi Novijanto, explained that this facility will greatly assist services for PMI returning from abroad.
“This lounge makes it easier for us to provide services to arriving migrant workers. This is not taking over roles but strengthening synergy,” he said.
He also revealed that throughout 2025, foreign exchange from PMI reached around IDR 430 trillion in one year. For 2026, the government targets an increase in PMI placements of at least 25% compared to the previous year.
According to Budi, Indonesian PMI are dominated by workers from East Java, West Java, Central Java, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Banten, with main destination countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and several European countries.
On the other hand, the Banten PMI Protection Agency is also actively preventing illegal departures. In the first quarter of 2026, around 300 prospective migrant workers were successfully prevented from non-procedural departures, mainly to the Middle East, Malaysia, and Cambodia.