Turkey Dominates as Destination for Buleleng Migrant Workers in 2026, Mostly Spa Therapists

A total of 567 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from Buleleng Regency departed to work overseas between January and June 2026. Turkey has become the most sought-after destination by PMI from Buleleng, particularly for positions as spa therapists and in the hospitality sector. The Head of the Buleleng Manpower, Transmigration, Energy and Mineral Resources Office (Disnakertrans ESDM), Putu Arimbawa, acknowledged that geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East have impacted the placement of Indonesian workers in several countries in the region. As a result, worker placements have shifted to countries with relatively stable security. “Demand for workers to countries like Kuwait and Abu Dhabi had completely stopped due to the global situation. Because of that, worker placements have shifted to relatively more stable countries,” Arimbawa said when contacted on Thursday (16/7/2026). According to him, Turkey is the most popular destination country for PMI in 2026, especially for the spa and hospitality sectors. Besides Turkey, Poland also recorded an increase in demand for spa therapists from Buleleng. Furthermore, Bulgaria is one of the destination countries in the Eastern Europe region that is opening up many job opportunities in the hospitality sector. There is also demand for workers to the Maldives, although the numbers are not as high as for other destination countries. On the other hand, Arimbawa admitted that he does not have data on Buleleng migrant workers employed on cruise ships. This is because the placement of workers in that sector falls under the category of seafarers, which is under the authority of the Ministry of Transportation. Arimbawa reminded the public not to be easily tempted by overseas job offers promising high salaries without clear procedures. According to Arimbawa, such methods are often exploited by perpetrators of human trafficking (TPPO). “We urge the public to always use official channels, whether through verified independent departures or through licensed Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement Companies (P3MI),” he said. Arimbawa explained that migrant workers who depart procedurally will receive better protection. This includes employment social security from Indonesia as well as protection from the company in the destination country. He hopes that the public will increasingly understand the importance of following official procedures so that their safety and rights as migrant workers are protected while working abroad. “This protection is very important, including as a guarantee in the event of a work accident, employment issues, or financing for repatriation if an emergency occurs,” he concluded.