Menko PM urges prospective migrant workers to use legal channels for protection

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM), Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, has urged prospective Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to use official, legal, and procedural channels to ensure protection and improve their chances of success while working abroad. “Understand the protection system from the preparation stage before departure. Do not be deceived, from training preparation to returning home, it is a unified placement system that is well protected. Those of you who will work overseas must truly understand your basic needs, namely being official, procedural, and having adequate skills,” said Menko PM Muhaimin Iskandar in a statement in Jakarta on Friday. The government is currently building an integrated global talent placement ecosystem, covering education, skills training, financing, and protection for PMI. President Prabowo Subianto has given full support to the global talent preparation programme for senior high school and vocational school graduates interested in working abroad. The programme, initiated by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment through the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), includes capacity building, skills training tailored to global labour market demands, and various financing schemes to facilitate prospective migrant workers. To support the programme, the government has allocated significant funding. This year, it is estimated that more than Rp3 trillion will be absorbed for global talent development. Meanwhile, up to 2029, the government has prepared support totalling Rp30 trillion. However, Menko PM Muhaimin Iskandar stressed that the vast opportunities for overseas employment must be accompanied by compliance with applicable procedures. He noted that many migrant workers still face problems because they depart illegally without adequate preparation. “We do not want any more migrant workers departing without following proper procedures. Many have become victims because they left illegally, thus failing to receive the protection, services, or assistance they are entitled to,” he said.