Strengthening Indonesia–Malaysia Synergy in the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers
The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto, visited the Immigration Detention Depot (DTI) in Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia, on Friday (4/9), to meet with 46 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) undergoing immigration processes. The visit was part of the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs’ efforts to strengthen coordination with the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) to accelerate the repatriation process of these workers to Indonesia.
During the visit, Minister Agus, accompanied by the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, met with the Director General of the Malaysian Immigration Department, Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban, to discuss the handling of problematic migrant workers and the strengthening of bilateral coordination regarding repatriation.
Following the meeting, Minister Agus symbolically handed over Substitute Travel Documents (SPLP) to representatives of the migrant workers and greeted the 46 workers currently in detention due to immigration violations.
On this occasion, Minister Agus emphasised that the government continues to strive for the accelerated repatriation of migrant workers once all administrative requirements are met. “We are currently conducting checks with the Director General of Immigration. Our cooperation with Malaysian immigration is quite good. We will soon endeavour to facilitate their return. If the documents are complete, they can return to Indonesia within a maximum of 10 days,” he stated.
Minister Agus also advised the migrant workers not to repeat illegal actions such as entering, working, or residing in other countries unlawfully. He noted that compliance with immigration regulations is key to ensuring security and legal certainty for every Indonesian citizen working abroad.
As a form of government support, the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, along with the Director General of Immigration, also provided financial assistance to the migrant workers to support their return costs to Indonesia.
Previously, Minister Agus attended the “Pasti Ada Solusi” (There is Always a Solution) dialogue with Indonesian citizens at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur. As part of this series of activities, the Indonesian Government, through a collaboration of five ministries, also confirmed the citizenship status of 1,512 children of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, demonstrating the state’s presence in providing legal certainty and protection to Indonesian citizens abroad.
This working visit reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs to continue strengthening immigration diplomacy, increasing cooperation with partner countries, and ensuring that services and protection for Indonesian citizens abroad are conducted swiftly, coordinately, and with a focus on public interest.