JAKARTA – Indonesia has intensified efforts to close digital loopholes used by online job scammers targeting prospective migrant workers.

The move follows a joint initiative between the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers to tackle fraudulent online job offers.

Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the digital space has become the primary gateway for job searches, making early state intervention crucial to prevent citizens from falling victim to false information.

“The state must be present in protecting migrant workers so they do not feel they are walking alone, but are accompanied by a system that protects, empowers and amplifies their aspirations,” she said.

She was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the two ministries in South Jakarta on Monday.

From January to mid-December 2025, the government acted on more than 300 reports involving fake job vacancies and illegal practices aimed at Indonesian migrant workers.

“We are moving faster and more aggressively to take down content that deceives, exploits and misleads our migrant workers,” Meutya said.

She added that early prevention of fraud helps ensure migrant workers’ earnings reach their families and has a direct positive impact on the national economy.

The government is also rolling out practical digital literacy programmes for migrant workers and their families to help them recognise scam indicators, safeguard personal data and rely on official information channels.

Separately, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar urged the public not to accept overseas job offers without proper verification.

“To anyone planning to work abroad, prepare thoroughly and do not be trapped by misleading promises or deceptive choices,” he said.

The minister, commonly known as Cak Imin, highlighted destinations such as Cambodia as frequent sources of illegal job offers.

He stressed that the public must exercise caution with offers circulating on unofficial social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

“Use all available information channels, especially formal ones, whether from the private sector or the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers,” he said.