Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching Helps Two Indonesian Migrant Workers Secure Wage Rights from Employers
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kuching has successfully assisted two Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Malaysia in obtaining their wage rights from their employers.
Indonesian Consul General in Kuching, Abdullah Zulkifli, upon receiving the two PMI at KJRI Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia, on Tuesday, stated that KJRI Kuching is committed to handling every PMI case with an approach that prioritises empathy, justice, and concrete resolutions.
“Every PMI who comes to us brings hope. Our duty is to ensure they are not alone, and that their rights as workers and as humans are respected. We do not only mediate, but ensure the results are truly felt by those concerned,” said Consul General Abdullah Zulkifli in a statement received by ANTARA in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
According to information, the two PMI worked in the domestic sector as household assistants.
One of the PMI who successfully obtained her rights is R, from a city in West Java, who had worked for 2 years and 7 months as a household assistant in Malaysia before deciding to leave her job due to the psychological pressure she experienced.
“I am very grateful and thank KJRI Kuching for helping me get my rights. At that time, I really did not know where to go, but here I was assisted until my problem was resolved,” said R.
Through a mediation process facilitated by KJRI Kuching, R finally received the remaining salary of 17,000 ringgit (approximately Rp74.3 million) that had previously been withheld.
A similar story was experienced by ES, a woman from a city in West Kalimantan, who had worked for 3 years and 4 months as a household assistant in Malaysia.
After ending her employment, ES faced obstacles in cashing out the remaining salary that had not been paid by her employer.
With assistance from KJRI Kuching, including summoning the employer and a constructive mediation process, ES finally received all her rights amounting to 32,000 ringgit (approximately Rp139 million).
“I am very grateful to finally receive the salary that I have been waiting for. This money means a lot to me, especially to help my family in Indonesia,” said ES.
Currently, the two PMI are temporarily accommodated at the KJRI Kuching shelter. In addition to ensuring safety and basic needs are met, KJRI is also processing administrative and immigration stages as part of preparations for their repatriation to Indonesia.
Throughout the period from January to April 2026, KJRI Kuching has handled several similar cases and successfully helped PMI recover their wage rights with a total value of nearly 100,000 ringgit (approximately Rp436 million).
KJRI states that this achievement reflects the intensity of problems faced by PMI, as well as the consistency of protection efforts carried out by Indonesian representatives.
KJRI Kuching also urges all PMI in the Sarawak region not to hesitate to report if they face employment problems.
On the other hand, PMI are reminded to ensure that departure and placement processes are carried out through official channels to minimise risks.
KJRI conveys that the cases experienced by R and ES serve as a reminder that behind the numbers and administrative processes, there are stories of humanity that require the presence of the state.
In that context, KJRI Kuching states its commitment to continue striving to ensure that every PMI not only works, but is also protected in terms of dignity and justice.