KP2MI Inaugurates Migrant Helpdesk at Batam Centre International Port
The Ministry of Migrant Workers Protection (KP2MI) has officially inaugurated a Migrant Worker Protection Helpdesk at the Batam Centre International Port as part of an effort to strengthen protection and services for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). The inauguration was led directly by the Minister of Migrant Workers Protection, Mukhtarudin, in Batam, Riau Islands.
Minister Mukhtarudin stated that the presence of this helpdesk is part of the state’s commitment to providing more accessible services and protection for migrant workers, particularly in border regions like Batam that serve as key entry and exit points. “We are coordinating with all stakeholders here, both in the context of prevention and service for migrant workers, whether they are departing, returning to Indonesia, or being deported from Malaysia and Singapore,” he said in Batam on Tuesday.
He emphasised that the state must provide comprehensive protection to Indonesian migrant workers, including those facing difficulties due to non-procedural departures. He also urged the public intending to work abroad to use official channels through KP2MI. “We advise the public to ensure they become procedural migrant workers through KP2MI, regional offices, and companies registered in the SISKOP2MI (Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Information and Computerisation System),” he added.
“We continue to monitor border areas alongside the TNI (National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), Customs, and all relevant agencies. Therefore, those wishing to work abroad must follow official procedures,” Minister Mukhtarudin added.
Meanwhile, the Head of BP3MI Riau Islands, Imam Riyadi, explained that the helpdesk at Batam Centre International Port will serve as a centre for information and protection services for migrant workers. He noted that the helpdesk will also act as a site for the protection and prevention of migrant workers who are vulnerable to becoming victims of Human Trafficking (TPPO). Through this service, the public can obtain official information regarding departure procedures, overseas placement consultations, and document verification.
“In Riau Islands, we also have other migrant helpdesks located at Harbour Bay Port, Sri Bintan Pura, and Karimun Port,” he said. In addition to opening helpdesks at international ports, BP3MI Riau Islands has also developed three Migrant Centres functioning as information and education hubs at Batam Tourism Polytechnic, Batam State Polytechnic, and the Tanjungpinang Ministry of Health Polytechnic. The government hopes that the presence of these helpdesks and Migrant Centres in the Riau Islands will increase public awareness regarding the importance of working abroad through procedural means.