KUALA LUMPUR - Since taking office in October 2024, President Prabowo Subianto has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening safeguards for Indonesian migrant workers.

One of the most significant steps is the plan to replace the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) with a dedicated Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI).

The government’s renewed focus comes amid persistent reports of Indonesians travelling overseas without proper documentation and subsequently facing risks linked to human trafficking.

To mark World Anti-Trafficking Day in July 2025, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union reported 251 suspected trafficking cases involving Indonesian workers across multiple sectors.

The Indonesian Migrant Workers Association, better known as Kabar Bumi, believes the situation is more serious, estimating that some 4.5 million Indonesians abroad are undocumented based on data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kabar Bumi chairman Iweng Karsiwen told ANTARA on Saturday that undocumented workers remain especially vulnerable to exploitation.

Recognising the dangers faced by citizens working illegally overseas, the government has expanded protection measures for those at risk.

One such effort is the coordinated repatriation of Indonesian workers, carried out jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

In March 2025, authorities repatriated 569 Indonesians who had been trapped in an online scam operation in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

As of 20 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recorded more than 10,000 online scam cases involving Indonesian citizens since 2020.

The ministry also identified instances where syndicates operated from as far away as South Africa.

Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, Judha Nugraha, noted that not all cases involved trafficking victims, as some Indonesians knowingly accepted jobs with online fraud groups.

He said attractive salary offers remained a major lure for Indonesians who eventually became involved in online scam operations.

Some individuals who were already employed in stable jobs abroad also shifted to online scam work in pursuit of better pay.

Nugraha added that a number of repatriated migrants later returned to online scam operations after arriving home.

With human trafficking cases recurring, the government continues to strengthen repatriation mechanisms and broader protection policies for its citizens.

These initiatives focus not only on helping those facing exploitation abroad but also on preventing the non-procedural placement of workers within Indonesia.

The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) is leading these efforts to enhance safeguards throughout the migration chain.

During the launch of the Plate Welder Training Programme in November, P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring protection before departure, during employment, and after workers return home.

He stressed that the government’s priority is to provide comprehensive safeguards for all workers, including those preparing to work overseas.

The ministry’s programmes include awareness campaigns on safe migration, skills training, and financial literacy initiatives for prospective workers.

Mukhtarudin said the government is involved from the early stages of human resource preparation up to the workers’ return from abroad.

Among the flagship programmes is the Golden Migrant Village initiative, which aims to create a safe migration ecosystem at the village level.

The initiative involves cooperation between government agencies, communities, civil society groups, the private sector, and village volunteers.

Its goal is to provide integrated protection and services for migrant workers and their families.

The programme covers education on safe migration, training facilities, information centres, rapid complaint services, and access to legal support.

The ministry has also introduced a Financial Literacy Pocket Book to help migrant workers and their families improve money management skills.

Additional measures involve collaboration with the police, military, immigration offices, local authorities, and other agencies to curb non-procedural departures.

Law enforcement efforts have been strengthened through the establishment of a Rapid Response Team tasked with dismantling illegal recruitment networks linked to human trafficking.

Ahead of Migrant Day 18 December, Kabar Bumi said substantial work remains for the government to deliver stronger and more effective protection for migrant workers.

One key challenge is the social perception that encourages some individuals to seek informal employment overseas, particularly in Saudi Arabia as a shortcut to performing the Hajj pilgrimage.

Infrastructure gaps in services and preparatory facilities for migrant worker placement also continue to hinder efforts to ensure safer migration pathways.

With sustained government commitment, it is hoped that ongoing initiatives will deliver meaningful progress in improving protection for Indonesian migrant workers.