Minister Mukhtarudin: State Guarantees Comprehensive Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers in South Korea

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing comprehensive protection for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) working in South Korea (South Korea). This was stated by Mukhtarudin during his attendance at the send-off and opening of the Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) for the South Korea Government-to-Government (G-to-G) Programme at the BBPPMPV Business and Tourism, Sawangan, Depok, on Monday (27/4/2026). In the event, 210 PMI were officially sent off to work in South Korea, consisting of 150 workers in the manufacturing sector and 60 workers in the fisheries sector. In addition, 43 prospective PMI began the OPP period as the initial stage of preparation before working abroad. Several officials attended the event, including Director General of Placement KP2MI Ahnas, Head of BBPPMPV Business and Tourism Nana Halim, and Director of Government Placement Dyah Rejekiningrum. Mukhtarudin stated that this protection is carried out comprehensively, from before departure, during work in the destination country, to eventually returning to the homeland. “The state is always present to provide protection services for you. This moment is not just a ceremony, but a real manifestation of the hard work and perseverance of all of you,” he said in a written statement received by Kompas.com. Mukhtarudin explained that the placement of PMI to South Korea reached 6,860 people throughout 2025. However, there were 3,663 G-to-G programme workers who resigned from their employers from 2021 to early March 2026. “Do not resign or leave your job. The official channel is the only guarantee of protection from the state,” Mukhtarudin emphasised. The PMI being sent off are participants who passed the selection for the 2023–2025 period and have gone through a long preparation process. Currently, the number of roster reaches around 8,000 people, indicating high public interest in the programme. From the education side, participants are dominated by 173 high school/vocational high school graduates, followed by 33 junior high school graduates, and two each from diploma and bachelor’s degree graduates. The programme is part of support for Prabowo’s directive in expanding safe and structured overseas job opportunities. In this regard, the manufacturing sector remains the main absorber of labour.