West Java DPRD Urges Task Force to Combat Illegal Migrant Worker Departures

Cianjur (ANTARA) - The West Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) is encouraging and appreciating the efforts of the Cianjur Regency Government to form a Task Force (Satgas) comprising various elements to prevent and address the problem of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) departing through non-procedural or illegal channels.

Abdul Karim, a member of Commission IV of the West Java DPRD, said in Cianjur on Wednesday that non-procedural departures of migrant workers to various prohibited countries in the Middle East remain considerably high, including from Cianjur.

Therefore, he said, the Cianjur Regency Government must make various efforts to suppress the departure of its residents abroad without proper procedures, including forming a task force involving village and district officials down to the level of neighbourhood unit (RT) heads.

“We fully support the formation of the migrant worker protection task force in Cianjur. In addition to conducting supervision, including improving socialisation regarding procedures for working abroad, we are also ready to be involved,” he said.

Going forward, he said, there should no longer be cases of migrant workers facing problems upon reaching their destination countries, because before departing they will be given insight and education on the proper steps to take.

He explained that the case experienced by Ai Juariah, a migrant worker from Karangwangi Village, Ciranjang District, serves as a reminder that many residents are still tempted to work abroad through non-procedural channels.

“This must be a shared concern, not only for the task force but also for residents interested in working abroad — they must receive education and a clear picture, so that hopes of a large salary do not make them forget the risks they will face,” he said.

The Gerindra Party legislator asked the public to seek clear and reliable information when intending to work abroad by visiting the relevant agencies to obtain the necessary information.

“Ensure safety and comfort when working abroad. Do not let the intention of improving one’s economic situation instead become a disaster because of departing through non-procedural channels,” he said.

Cianjur Regent Mohammad Wahyu Ferdian said the formation of the task force is intended to provide optimal protection for Cianjur residents who intend to work abroad, especially those who have fallen victim to fraud through non-procedural processes.