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Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) with support from the International Agency for Migration (IOM), held an event at the Indoor Tennis Court. Senayan, Jakarta. Attended by Indonesian Vice President Ma'aruf Amin -  

Voinews, Jakarta - In commemoration of International Migrant Day which falls on December 18 2023, the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) with support from the International Agency for Migration (IOM), held an event at the Indoor Tennis Court. Senayan, Jakarta. This event was attended by more than 5000 Indonesian migrant workers and their families.

This event aims to increase synergy between government agencies and other stakeholders in advocating for the rights of migrant workers and protecting them from all discrimination and exploitation abroad.

"BP2MI is optimistic that cooperation from relevant stakeholders will accelerate efforts to empower and improve the welfare of Indonesian Migrant Workers and their families. "Through this event we invite all stakeholders and the general public to side with migrant workers," said Benny Rhamdani, Head of BP2MI.

Indonesia is one of the largest source countries for migrant workers in the world. Based on the latest data from BP2MI in 2022, Malaysia is still the most popular destination country for Indonesian migrant workers abroad. It is recorded that more than 60,000 Indonesian Migrant Workers work in Malaysia in the domestic, plantation, construction and manufacturing sectors.

Despite these numbers, migrant workers often still experience workplace abuse, exploitation and stigma. Additionally, as they migrate to other countries for work, they are often placed on temporary contracts that expose them to greater risks of uncertainty, layoffs, and poor working conditions.

"Six years since the passing of the Law on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, namely Law No. 18 of 2017, IOM continues to rely on our expertise to support the Indonesian Government in encouraging synergy between labor migration and development, as well as in encouraging regular pathways for labor migration . "In this case, we appreciate BP2MI's strong commitment as one of the leading institutions that continues to improve protection for Indonesian migrant workers, through developing policies and programs that provide effective protection and assistance to Indonesian Migrant Workers and their families," according to Jeffrey Labovitz, IOM Head of Mission Indonesia, in his remarks.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia oin Tuesday, at this event, BP2MI will also introduce the Pre-Departure Orientation module developed by IOM and the International Labor Organization (ILO) with support from the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). This module was developed to provide migrant workers with information about their rights, working and living conditions abroad, as well as access to support and complaints mechanisms if necessary.

This module is specifically designed for migrant workers who wish to migrate to Malaysia specifically to work in the palm oil sector.

This year's celebration event was also attended by the Vice President of Indonesia, Mr Ma'ruf Amin, who highlighted the importance of the pre-departure process.

“It is the government's obligation to equip migrant workers with technical and language skills, so that they can take advantage of the many job opportunities abroad. Pre-departure orientation is important not only to prepare skilled workers, but also to prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking. On this occasion, I invite all relevant stakeholders to work together to combat human trafficking and improve protection and services for Indonesian Migrant Workers."

On International Migrants Day, IOM focuses on promoting the power of migration as a solution to global challenges, including providing better economic opportunities for people. IOM emphasizes that everyone can be part of the solution and that collective action today will prepare for a better future//VOI