Indonesia Vows to Protect Citizen Abused in Malaysia Despite Illegal Migrant Worker Status
Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin has confirmed the government will continue to provide protection to a female worker with the initials YY who was abused by her employer in Malaysia, despite the victim being an illegal immigrant worker. Mukhtarudin said legal assistance is also being provided.
“Currently, the victims are being handled by Indonesian representatives and the legal process is underway in Malaysia. The Indonesian government respects the legal process carried out by local authorities, while ensuring the victims’ rights are fulfilled during the process, including necessary assistance and legal aid,” Mukhtarudin told reporters on Tuesday (16/6/2026).
He said the government will also facilitate the victim’s return. He stressed the victim’s safety is the priority.
“Regarding repatriation, in principle the government will facilitate the victims’ return to Indonesia after all necessary processes in Malaysia are completed. The safety and protection of the victims are the top priority in handling this case,” he stated.
He noted the victims are known to have worked in Malaysia through non-procedural channels. Nevertheless, Mukhtarudin emphasised this status does not diminish the state’s obligation to protect its citizens.
“Based on initial information, the victims worked in Malaysia non-procedurally. However, this status does not reduce the state’s obligation to provide protection to every Indonesian citizen facing problems abroad,” he said.
According to him, this case serves as a reminder for citizens to work abroad through official and procedural channels. He said the P2MI Ministry will continue to strengthen education, prevention, and supervision efforts.
“After the victims return to Indonesia, KP2MI will also provide follow-up assistance. If in the future the individuals wish to work abroad again, we will direct them through procedural channels to obtain more optimal protection,” he said.
Previously, a female worker with the initials YY was abused by her employer in Malaysia. A video circulated showing a woman sitting on a sofa being beaten by a man in a blue shirt. The woman groaned in pain and did not fight back. In another scene, another woman hit the victim on the head while someone else recorded the violence. Malaysian police have arrested four people.
Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens, Heni Hamidah, confirmed the victim is an Indonesian citizen working in Malaysia and said the Foreign Ministry, the Consulate General in Johor Bahru, and the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur are currently providing assistance.