Indonesian Migrant Workers in Middle East Under Threat; Migrant Care Opens Emergency Post
A devastating and fatal attack by Israel and the United States on Iran on Saturday, 28 February, shocked the world.
Migrant Care has expressed deep concern over the escalation of Middle Eastern conflicts that could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Migrant Care Executive Director Wahyu Susilo stated that war and the use of weapons not only reflect the arrogance of power but also place vulnerable groups, particularly migrant workers, in situations full of threat and uncertainty.
As an organisation focused on advocacy and protection of Indonesian migrant workers, Migrant Care believes the escalation of conflict in the Middle East could directly impact hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) currently working and living in various countries in the region.
“Uncertain conditions, proximity to conflict zones, and limited access to information and protection put migrant workers in a state of anxiety and insecurity,” Wahyu stated on Monday, 2 March.
Migrant Care emphasised that the state must not be indifferent to the safety of its citizens amid war situations. The Indonesian government must immediately ensure the condition of Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East by opening information and complaint channels in affected areas.
The government should also provide regular situation updates and prepare contingency measures and plans for their safety.
“As an organisation with networks and partners in the field, we are also listing complaint numbers in the Indramayu, Kebumen, Wonosobo, Jember, Banyuwangi, Lembata, East Flores, and Lombok regions,” Wahyu said.
As a rapid response to this emergency situation, Migrant Care has opened an Emergency Information and Complaint Centre for the Middle East Crisis. This emergency post provides services including consultation and support, complaints regarding abandonment and emergency cases, and legal assistance.
Bank Indonesia (BI) stated it will continue to carefully monitor financial market dynamics and respond appropriately to maintain rupiah exchange rate stability amid Middle Eastern conflict. The Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) is expected to be overshadowed by risk-off sentiment following the deterioration of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East after the coordinated US-Israel attack on Iran.