Photo: Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI), Mukhtarudin.

KUALA LUMPUR - The Indonesian Ministry for the Protection of Migrant Workers has signed several new agreements with government agencies and organisations to strengthen the recruitment and protection of Indonesian migrant workers.

The Minister, Mukhtarudin said the reforms focus on improving the early or upstream stages of worker preparation because most migrant worker problems start before they leave the country.

“The President formed the KP2MI Ministry as a sign of the government’s seriousness in optimising the roles and functions of quality protection for Indonesian workers, as well as improving human resource capacity,” he said last Tuesday.

He added that the President instructed the Ministry to provide full protection and to strengthen worker skills through vocational training.

Mukhtarudin said working together with ministries, local governments, and vocational associations is important to fix long-standing recruitment problems.

He stressed that 80 to 90 % of problems happen in the upstream sector and issues must be resolved early so migrant workers face fewer risks abroad.

The new cooperation documents were signed with Bawaslu, Perpukadesi, Komnas Anak, several local governments, and two vocational education associations, and also include a data-sharing agreement with the Immigration Department.

Bawaslu chairman Rahmat Bagja said the MoU is a major step as the country prepares for the 2029 General Election.

“This MoU is a sign of our readiness to face the 2029 Election and will help prevent problems related to protecting Indonesian migrant workers overseas,” Bagja said.

He noted that around four million Indonesians live abroad, most of whom are migrant workers, making cooperation with KP2MI essential for preparing the overseas Voters’ List.

“One of many issues is  how migrant workers are registered in the Voters’ List and the need for better coordination. 

“Both agencies will increase outreach in 2026 and 2027 to ensure overseas voting is carried out free of violations, honest, and fair,” he added.

Perpukadesi Chairman Bibit Waluyo said his organisation of retired national and regional leaders wants to help solve migrant worker issues.

“We are here to join KP2MI in giving whatever contribution we can to help solve migrant labour issues from upstream to downstream,” Bibit said.

He added that the difficulty young Indonesians face in finding jobs has encouraged his members to offer their support.

Bibit said Perpukadesi members across Indonesia are ready to help and want to contribute to the country.

He said the group hopes its role will strengthen the government’s efforts to improve protection for Indonesian migrant workers.