Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia Repatriates 217 Migrant Workers, Ambassador Delivers Special Message
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Malaysia facilitated the repatriation of 217 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from Malaysia to Indonesia on Thursday, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad.
Hundreds of these PMI were flown on commercial flights to five disembarkation points: Mataram (22 people), Banda Aceh (37 people), Medan (73 people), Surabaya (27 people), and Jakarta (58 people).
“So today, we are repatriating 217 WNI and PMI to five cities in Indonesia,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, to ANTARA at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, on Thursday.
According to data from the KBRI in Kuala Lumpur, these PMI were previously held in 10 immigration detention depots in Peninsular Malaysia.
They hailed from various regions in Indonesia, including Aceh, North Sumatra, South Sumatra, West Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
The KBRI stated that this repatriation is an important step in providing humanitarian protection and certainty for them.
The repatriation group also included 49 WNI who were arrested during a joint operation targeting Undocumented Foreign Nationals (PATI) in Setia Alam, Selangor, on 3 April.
The repatriation was carried out through close coordination between the KBRI in Kuala Lumpur and local authorities, particularly the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), as well as coordination with relevant agencies in Indonesia, including the Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), to ensure the smooth process of repatriation and further handling upon arrival in Indonesia.
This effort reflects the consistency of the KBRI in Kuala Lumpur in ensuring the protection and fulfilment of the rights of WNI, especially those in vulnerable conditions.
The issues faced by most of these PMI were related to overstaying visas, as well as some criminal cases.
In this regard, the KBRI in Kuala Lumpur continues to prioritise a balanced approach between respecting the laws of the host country and fulfilling the basic rights of WNI.
The KBRI in Kuala Lumpur stated that it will continue to commit to providing optimal protection for WNI, while strengthening prevention efforts through increased awareness of safe and responsible migration.
“We hope that with this repatriation and the advice we have conveyed, in the future, PMI who will work in Malaysia can follow the proper procedures and comply with all applicable regulations in Malaysia,” said Ambassador Iman.
He advised the PMI to regard this repatriation as a valuable life experience and lesson not to be repeated in the future. He also prayed that the PMI could return safely to their hometowns and reunite with their families.
“I hope that what you, Sir and Madam, have experienced and gone through becomes a very meaningful lesson. Safe travels, safe return to the Motherland. Greetings to your families,” said Ambassador Iman.
A woman who worked as a domestic assistant in Malaysia for 15 years admitted to regretting entering and working in Malaysia through illegal channels.
By being an illegal worker, she said, her life in Malaysia was restless due to the shadow of raids and arrests.
“I’m done with it. I won’t return again. My message to friends who want to work here is to have a passport with clear permission. I’m happy to go home; later I can meet my child at home. I have one child,” said R.
“These are my two children. I thank the embassy for helping me and my children return to Indonesia,” said SU.
Based on ANTARA’s observations in Kuala Lumpur, the PMI repatriation process ran smoothly. The PMI were treated very well and accompanied directly by KBRI staff to their destination cities.