Indonesia and Turkey Discuss Strengthening Migrant Worker Protections

The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, received a courtesy visit from the Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Mr Vedat IŞIKHAN. The meeting strengthened bilateral relations between Indonesia and Türkiye, particularly in the fields of labour, migrant worker protection, and the development of a professional workforce.

During the audience, Mukhtarudin affirmed that the Ministry of P2MI carries out a direct mandate from the President to comprehensively strengthen the governance of protection for Indonesian migrant workers.

Mukhtarudin expressed his appreciation for the visit by Minister Vedat IŞIKHAN and his delegation to the Ministry of P2MI.

“This visit is a form of recognition of the existence and strategic role of the Ministry of P2MI in managing the placement, protection and empowerment of Indonesian migrant workers,” Mukhtarudin said in a written statement on Friday (24/7/2026).

Mukhtarudin noted that Indonesia and Türkiye share the same vision of building a safe, orderly and mutually beneficial system of international labour mobility for both countries, while upholding the principles of decent work and respect for workers’ rights.

“Indonesia welcomes the attention of the Turkish Government to the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of labour, international professional labour mobility, and the protection of workers’ rights,” Mukhtarudin said.

At the meeting, the two countries also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation through the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour between the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye.

“We have already submitted the draft MoU. We are currently awaiting a response from the Turkish Ministry of Labour regarding the timing of its signing,” Mukhtarudin added.

Beyond discussing the renewal of cooperation, Mukhtarudin hoped the meeting would further strengthen communication and coordination between the two ministries in supporting effective, safe and sustainable management of international labour mobility.

Minister Mukhtarudin believes the meeting represents a strategic step towards deepening Indonesia–Türkiye bilateral relations in the labour sector, while opening up broader opportunities for cooperation benefiting Indonesian migrant workers.

“We believe today’s meeting is an important moment to organise and develop bilateral labour relations between Indonesia and Türkiye. We hope future cooperation will be even better and more constructive for the interests of both countries,” Mukhtarudin said.

Mukhtarudin thanked the Turkish delegation for their visit and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would continue to flourish.

Mukhtarudin also revealed plans for a reciprocal visit by the Ministry of P2MI to Türkiye as part of efforts to strengthen friendship and strategic cooperation between the two ministries.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Mr Vedat IŞIKHAN, expressed optimism about strengthening labour cooperation between Indonesia and Türkiye.

Vedat IŞIKHAN said he was delighted to be back in Indonesia, which he described as a friendly nation and a brother to Türkiye. He also expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Minister Mukhtarudin.

“I am very happy to be in Indonesia, a friendly nation and a brotherly nation. I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to me and our delegation,” Vedat said.

On that occasion, Vedat also conveyed his congratulations on the establishment of the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI).

Vedat expressed hope that the new ministry would bring great benefits to the Indonesian people, particularly Indonesian citizens working abroad.

“I hope this newly established ministry will bring benefits to the Indonesian people, especially Indonesian citizens who are abroad. I also congratulate Minister Mukhtarudin and wish him success in carrying out this mandate,” Vedat said.

Vedat stressed that this year marks an important milestone, as Indonesia and Türkiye commemorate 76 years of diplomatic relations. However, he said the historical ties between the two countries stretch back much further, spanning some four centuries.

He described Indonesia as a strategic partner of Türkiye as well as an important country in the Islamic world. The two countries also cooperate closely in various international forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the G20, and MIKTA.

“The excellent relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Prabowo Subianto is an important momentum and a guide for us to continue strengthening cooperation in the future,” he said.

Vedat also considered Indonesia to hold a strategic position in international labour mobility. According to him, Indonesian migrant workers enjoy an excellent reputation in the eyes of the Turkish Government.

“Indonesians are known as honest workers with a high level of commitment to their jobs. These are the two qualities we always remember,” Vedat said.

He revealed that in recent years there has been a significant increase in work permit applications by Indonesian nationals seeking employment in Türkiye.

“In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of work permit applications submitted to our ministry on behalf of Indonesian citizens. The number continues to rise over time,” Vedat noted.

According to him, this trend is an indicator of growing confidence in the quality of Indonesian labour, as well as an opportunity to expand mutually beneficial labour cooperation between the two countries.

In closing the meeting, the two ministers agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of labour and migrant worker protection through improved communication, coordination, and the acceleration of the completion of the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia and Türkiye.

Mukhtarudin and Vedat also encouraged safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility, whilst expanding opportunities for the placement of competent Indonesian workers in various sectors in line with the needs of the Turkish labour market.