Jembrana Migrant Worker's remains delayed in Japan as fellow expatriates raise funds

Repatriation of the remains of Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) from Jembrana, Bali, I Kadek Mas Heriadi, who passed away in Japan, remains delayed due to cost. The repatriation funds, amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah, are the primary obstacle to bringing the deceased back home. Repatriation efforts to his hometown in Banjar Bilukpoh Kangin, Tegalicangkring Village, Mendoyo District, are ongoing. Fellow expatriates have initiated a voluntary fundraising campaign to expedite the process. An advisor from the Ibaraki Balinese Association (Asobi), who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the high repatriation costs stem from Kadek Mas’s departure to Japan without following proper procedures. ‘All costs are borne individually, amounting to hundreds of millions. We are collectively chipping in as fellow workers in Japan to cover repatriation expenses,’ said the man, who has lived in Japan for decades, when contacted by detikBali on Thursday, 28 May 2026. To streamline repatriation, expatriates divided tasks into two teams: one handling administrative processes to Bali, the other fundraising. They aim to complete fundraising within a week, as body storage fees accrue daily at approximately Rp 1.5 million. ‘Funds raised so far are insufficient. We have a one-week target to gather the necessary amount, as body storage costs approximately Rp 1.5 million daily,’ he added. They expressed gratitude to migrant workers in Japan who have contributed to repatriation costs. Jibrana’s Labour and Industry Office head, Kadek Mirah Ananta Sukma Dewi, confirmed Kadek Mas left for Japan around 2012. However, his name is not recorded in BP3MI’s official data. ‘BP3MI records do not list his name. I’m unclear about the internship/PM regulations from that period,’ Mirah stated. Mirah added that local government is focusing on supporting the family, while maintaining communication with the Indonesian Embassy via BP3MI and the Jembrana community group in Ibaraki regarding repatriation. ‘We are still coordinating this, as PMI or internship programmes typically have insurance schemes through placement agencies, universities, or BPJSTk PMi,’ she concluded.