Minister of PMI: The State is Always Present to Provide Protection for Migrant Workers
Indonesia’s Minister of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, has emphasised the government’s full commitment to implementing President Prabowo Subianto’s directives on strengthening protections for Indonesian migrant workers. This protection is provided comprehensively, from before departure, during employment in destination countries, to their eventual return to Indonesia.
“The state is always present to provide protection services for you. This moment is not merely ceremonial, but a tangible manifestation of the hard work and perseverance of all of you,” Mukhtarudin stated in a written release on Monday (27/4/2026).
He made these remarks while attending and delivering a motivational speech at the Departure Release and Opening of Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) for the South Korea G-to-G Programme at the BBPPMPV Business and Tourism Centre in Sawangan, Depok.
A total of 210 Indonesian migrant workers were officially released for departure to South Korea. The breakdown includes 150 workers in the manufacturing sector and 60 in the fisheries sector. In addition to the release, 43 prospective migrant workers began their Pre-Departure Orientation as an initial step in preparing for overseas work.
Furthermore, Mukhtarudin presented data on placements in South Korea, recording 6,860 individuals in 2025. However, he highlighted a key note regarding 3,663 G-to-G programme migrant workers who resigned from their employers between 2021 and early March 2026.
Therefore, participants were reminded to uphold their commitments and professionalism.
“Do not resign or abscond from responsibilities. The official channel is the only guarantee of state protection,” he stressed.
The migrant workers dispatched this time are participants who passed exams from the 2023-2025 period and have undergone a long selection and preparation process. Currently, the roster numbers around 8,000 people, indicating high public interest in this government placement scheme.
In terms of educational background, the participants are dominated by 173 high school/SMK graduates, followed by 33 junior high school graduates, and two each from D3 and bachelor’s degree holders.
This programme is part of support for the President’s directive to expand safe and structured overseas employment opportunities. Manufacturing remains the primary sector for workforce absorption.
Based on data up to 7 April, 1,738 migrant workers have been successfully placed, with the majority in manufacturing. Meanwhile, as of 19 April, 1,368 migrant workers have undergone the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) stage.
In his motivational address, Mukhtarudin emphasised that OPP is a crucial initial step to prepare skills, mindset, and understanding of working conditions in the destination country.
Mukhtarudin stated that this activity is a tangible manifestation of the government’s attention to improving the quality of protection and human resources for Indonesian migrant workers in accordance with the President’s mandate.
Considering the significant physical, mental, and financial sacrifices made by the participants, Mukhtarudin advised not to waste this opportunity and to optimally utilise OPP to strengthen nationalism and national defence values.
“This departure is not the end of the struggle, but the beginning of the real journey, so workers must continue learning, building international networks, and enhancing their capacities for family welfare and national contributions,” Mukhtarudin explained.
Support for Education and Self-Development
To enhance the quality of Indonesian migrant workers, the KP2MI has built synergies with several educational institutions, including collaboration with Universitas Terbuka (UT) to provide access to bachelor’s degrees during work intervals.
Additionally, the Kejar Paket C programme is available, a collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, for workers wishing to complete their secondary education.
Mukhtarudin hopes that migrant workers can make the best use of these opportunities to enrich their competencies, enabling them to create a brain gain effect or bring back new skills beneficial upon returning to Indonesia.
At the end of his speech, Mukhtarudin conveyed seven main messages to be firmly upheld by Indonesian migrant workers while working abroad.
He emphasised the importance of complying with all laws and regulations in the host country and maintaining diligent performance, as this reflects the image of the Indonesian nation.
Workers are also expected to adapt to the culture and work environment that demands high discipline. Beyond professional aspects, Mukhtarudin reminded migrant workers to manage income wisely through good financial planning and avoid consumptive behaviour.
Mukhtarudin also issued a stern warning for workers to stay away from harmful practices such as online gambling and remain vigilant against various forms of digital fraud, including phishing and online scams.
“Make the best use of this opportunity to enrich competencies, so that upon return, you can bring back new skills beneficial for the nation’s welfare,” Mukhtarudin concluded.