Minister for Migrant Workers Proposes 'Omnibus Law Plus' to Protect Migrant Workers
The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, is pushing for the resolution of migrant worker issues through an integrated approach. The direct presence of the state is believed to be capable of untangling the complexities of problems faced by citizens overseas.
This idea was presented during the ‘Pasti Ada Solusi’ (There is Always a Solution) Forum at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together five leaders from strategic state agencies to discuss the fate of these ‘foreign exchange heroes’. This collaborative working pattern is considered a fresh breakthrough for the government.
“The ‘Pasti Ada Solusi’ activity discussed by the Ministry of Law is a breakthrough and an extraordinary move to resolve the complexity of problems faced by Indonesian Migrant Workers abroad. We are bringing in the ministries as the primary stakeholders to provide solutions to existing issues. This is not just administrative collaboration, but direct action-oriented collaboration,” Muklarudin stated in a written statement on Friday (4/9/2026).
Bureaucratic collaboration on paper is deemed insufficient to resolve urgent issues in the field. Mukhtarudin subsequently referred to this proactive cross-ministerial approach as a form of “Omnibus Law Plus”.
“The Omnibus Law is merely administrative collaboration, but this is action,” he emphasised.
Coordination between ministers at a single table is expected to go beyond mere symbolism. Each agency is required to respond promptly to public complaints according to their respective authorities. Public services must provide clear directions for resolution for migrant communities.
“If there is a problem, come and report it to the embassy. Come and voice your complaints, including to all of us as assistants to the President,” said Mukhtarudin.
Issues facing citizens in Malaysia involve very broad administrative connections. This includes citizenship status, immigration, worker protection, and the need for legal aid. The Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, requested all layers of society to always respect the sacrifices of migrant workers.
“They are our foreign exchange heroes. Do not look at their lives working in plantations, but look at their contribution, and how great their service is in helping us obtain foreign exchange,” said Supratman.
The government is currently processing the affirmation of citizenship status for approximately 1,500 migrant workers. The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Agus Andrianto, highlighted the urgency of synchronising the document issuance system. The speed of administrative processing depends heavily on interconnected mechanisms.
“What we are building is an integrated mechanism. Once population issues are resolved, the process of affirming citizenship and travel documents can move faster so that the community gains certainty,” explained Agus.
These protection efforts also position the Indonesian Embassy as the frontline guard for the security of the community. The Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato Muhammad Iman H. Kusumo, welcomed this cross-ministerial synergy.
“The Indonesian representative must be the eyes, ears, and the first door of the state in ensuring that the problems of Indonesian citizens and migrant workers can be immediately handled and coordinated with the relevant ministries,” said Iman.
Resolving problems at their root is the key to preventing recurring cases in the future. All these policies are designed so that workers can earn a living safely and peacefully. The government promises to embrace all its citizens without exception.
“Those who are not yet legal, we will legalise. Those who are not yet formal, we will formalise,” concluded Mukhtarudin.