Indonesia Boosts Training for Migrant Workers After Illegal Placement

Following the disruption of an illegal trafficking operation, the Indonesian government is increasing support for migrant workers. Enhanced skills and language training are now mandated for those seeking overseas employment.

Crackdown on Illegal Recruitment

After a joint operation between the West Java Migrant Workers Protection Service Center (BP3MI) and the Bekasi City Metro Police prevented the illegal placement of 18 workers headed for Saudi Arabia, the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers took action.

Ministerial Directive

Minister Abdul Kadir Karding addressed the 18 workers, urging them to fully cooperate with authorities. “You will be registered and asked for information by the police. We urge you to speak openly so we can uncover the network (behind the illegal placement),” he stated, according to a released statement. He instructed the West Java BP3MI to enroll the workers in skills and language programs, connecting them with officially licensed recruitment agencies to secure jobs.

Karding assured them, “We will register those of you who still wish to work abroad. We’ll help you find job vacancies in Malaysia, Taiwan, or Brunei, and connect you with reliable companies through legal channels.”

Victims Speak Out

The workers admitted they were misled by brokers promising legal employment in Saudi Arabia. One worker stated, “We were deceived.” When Karding asked if they suspected any foul play, another worker replied, “No. I asked if this was illegal. They said it was all procedural and guaranteed.”

Karding emphasized that the absence of a formal employment contract should raise immediate suspicion. “If you work abroad without going through legal procedures, and you don’t have a contract, that means you’re vulnerable to exploitation. You could even become a victim of trafficking,” he warned. “If you’re trafficked, you can be treated like a slave.”

Government Initiatives

The ministry’s directive aims to safeguard Indonesian citizens seeking work abroad. According to a recent report by the International Labour Organization, an estimated 169 million people worldwide are migrant workers, often facing challenging conditions and exploitation (ILO, 2021). By providing proper training and legal channels, the Indonesian government hopes to reduce the vulnerability of its migrant workers.

Looking Ahead

The prospective migrant workers expressed their desire to secure overseas employment through official and legal means, and this initiative helps them achieve that goal.