YOGYAKARTA - The Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP3MI) has reminded people to always check the legality of overseas job offers before accepting them, according to ANTARA.

Head of BP3MI Yogyakarta, Tonny Chriswanto, said the agency warned that many problems happen when workers leave through illegal channels.

“Workers who go abroad without clear contracts or proper skills often face exploitation.

“If workers use official channels, the government knows what protections to give, and it is easier for us to monitor the employers,” said Tonny.

He added that many cases occur when workers abroad invite their friends to join them without training and this leaves them unprepared, vulnerable, and sometimes stranded.

Tonny also says BP3MI is now running training programs as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s order after BP2MI was changed into the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI). 

The aim is to reduce informal job placements, especially for domestic work, and increase skilled labor placements.

“Since KP2MI does not yet have its own training centers, BP3MI Yogyakarta is working with provincial training facilities. Participants stay in dormitories and receive free meals and daily allowances.

“The first batch of training covered spa therapy, caregiving, housekeeping, and language classes in Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin and the registration was done through social media, followed by selection at the BP3MI office," he explained.

Head of the Yogyakarta Manpower and Transmigration Office, Ariyanto Wibowo, also confirmed that the local government and BP3MI are working together to guide workers through legal processes.

“With proper training and official placement, migrant workers from Yogyakarta will not only find jobs but also get the right protection,” he said.