Indonesia and Turkey Discuss Strengthening Migrant Worker Protections

Indonesian Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, received a courtesy call from the Republic of Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, H.E. Mr. Vedat Işıkhan. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Turkey, particularly in the fields of employment, migrant worker protection, and professional workforce development. During the audience, Mukhtarudin emphasised that his ministry is carrying out a direct mandate from the President to comprehensively strengthen the governance of Indonesian migrant worker protection. He expressed appreciation for the visit, calling it a form of recognition of the ministry’s strategic role in managing the placement, protection, and empowerment of Indonesian migrant workers. Mukhtarudin noted that Indonesia and Turkey share a vision for building a safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial international labour mobility governance system, while upholding the principles of decent work and respect for workers’ rights. The two countries discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation through the formulation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of employment between the two ministries. Mukhtarudin stated that the draft MoU has been submitted and his ministry is now awaiting a response from the Turkish side regarding the timing of its signing. He expressed hope that the meeting would further enhance communication and coordination to support effective, safe, and sustainable international labour mobility management. Turkish Minister Vedat Işıkhan conveyed optimism about the strengthened cooperation, expressing his pleasure at being in Indonesia, which he described as a friendly and brotherly nation. He congratulated Indonesia on the establishment of the dedicated Ministry for Migrant Worker Protection and expressed hope it would bring great benefits, especially for Indonesian citizens working abroad. Işıkhan highlighted that the year marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, though historical ties span nearly four centuries. He noted that Indonesian workers have an excellent reputation in Turkey, being known for their honesty and strong work commitment. He also pointed to a significant increase in work permit applications for Indonesian citizens in recent years, indicating growing trust in the quality of the Indonesian workforce and opening opportunities for expanded mutually beneficial labour cooperation. Both ministers concluded the meeting by agreeing to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in employment and migrant worker protection through enhanced communication and coordination.