Jembrana Regency Wins Award for Protecting Migrant Workers from Loan Sharks
The Jembrana Regency Government has received an award for its programme empowering migrant workers at the detikBali-Nusra Awards 2026. The ‘Commendable Economic Programme’ award in the Labour Empowerment category was received by Vice Regent I Gede Ngurah Patriana Krisna, representing Regent I Made Kembang Hartawan, at The Trans Resort Bali on Friday (3/7/2026).
The award recognises the regency’s initiative supporting prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) and Overseas Apprenticeship Workers (PPLN) through interest-free, unsecured loans to cover departure costs. The programme was created in response to the high interest in working abroad, where lucrative opportunities often push candidates towards illegal channels or into the clutches of loan sharks charging exorbitant interest rates to finance their placement.
Through this scheme, the Jembrana government aims to protect prospective migrant workers from predatory lending practices while encouraging the use of official placement channels. Beyond financing, the programme is also directed at improving financial literacy, fostering sound financial management habits, and strengthening understanding of remittance management among migrant workers.
The assistance scheme is implemented through partnerships with financial institutions acting as credit distributors. Under the mechanism, administrative fees, insurance premiums, and interest are covered by the regional government. Beneficiaries are only required to repay the principal loan amount through monthly instalments.
The programme is considered to have a sustainable impact as it not only provides financial access for prospective migrant workers but also encourages the emergence of independent, competitive human resources who are willing to seize new opportunities. The experience of working abroad is expected to build strong mental resilience in adapting to new environments and cultures. These migrant workers are also expected to become agents of change who can contribute to regional development. The Jembrana Regency Government also encourages the use of remittances as productive business capital, so that returning workers can develop into young entrepreneurs and create new job opportunities.