Daftarsbmptn.com – The issue of migrant workers has resurfaced following numerous reports of forced labor, document retention, and exploitation of excessive working hours in several destination countries. Victims who have successfully returned to Indonesia have publicly demanded protection and justice, sparking a wave of public attention and strong calls for the government to strengthen regulations and tighten oversight of the Indonesian worker placement process abroad.
In the past two months, several migrant worker advocacy organizations have recorded a significant increase in reports from recently returned victims. Many of them report experiencing working conditions that deviate from their original contracts, not receiving wages for months, and even being intimidated by agents or employers. This situation demonstrates that the protection of migrant workers remains a significant challenge, despite various regulatory improvements.
The story that garnered much attention was that of a migrant worker from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), who claimed to have been forced to work up to 18 hours a day without adequate rest and without receiving wages for six months. She eventually escaped and sought assistance through the Indonesian embassy in that country. Similar cases have been experienced by other workers in the Middle East and East Asia, demonstrating that forced labor practices remain systematic and remain unaddressed.
Non-Governmental Organizations working in the field of migrant worker advocacy believe that this problem is not only caused by weak oversight in destination countries, but also by persistent loopholes in the domestic recruitment process. Many prospective migrant workers are recruited through unofficial channels or receive misleading information regarding their employment contracts. When they arrive in their destination countries, the conditions they face are far from what was promised.
Rini Handayani, Director of Migrant Watch Indonesia, said that the increase in reports of forced labor cases indicates that protection for migrant workers remains suboptimal.
“We continue to receive reports from victims returning with declining physical and mental conditions. They return with various complaints, ranging from unpaid wages, restricted movement, to psychological abuse. This must be a serious concern for the government,” she said.
According to Rini, one of the fundamental problems is the lack of coordination between the central and regional governments, and placement agencies.
“There are still agents who recruit without official permits or do not provide adequate training. As a result, workers depart without sufficient knowledge of their rights, legal processes, and support channels in their destination countries,” she added.
In response to this situation, the Ministry of Manpower emphasized that it is strengthening its migrant worker placement monitoring system through digitizing the process and conducting rigorous verification of placement companies. The government also emphasized the importance of having Indonesian representatives in destination countries to provide prompt service to migrant workers in need of emergency assistance.
Ministry of Manpower spokesperson Indah Pitaloka stated that the government is not standing idly by.
“We have tightened regulations, particularly regarding the enforcement of sanctions against placement companies that commit violations. The government is also encouraging bilateral cooperation with destination countries to ensure the protection of migrant workers through clear legal mechanisms,” she said.
However, experts believe that strengthening regulations alone is insufficient without increasing literacy and preparedness among prospective migrant workers before departure. Public awareness campaigns regarding workers’ rights, complaint procedures, and protection channels must be conducted more extensively, especially in areas that are the primary source of migrant workers. These educational programs are considered crucial to prevent workers from falling prey to illegal recruitment schemes that often exploit the community’s economic situation.
Family members of victims have also spoken out, urging the government to provide legal assistance and compensation for workers who have fallen victim to forced labor. They hope the government will be more assertive in dealing with agents found guilty of fraud or neglect of responsibility.
“We just want our children to get justice. They work far from home to support their families, not to be abused,” said a parent of a migrant worker from Indramayu.
In a global context, the issue of forced labor has become a serious concern for a number of international organizations. The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that forced labor still affects approximately 27 million people worldwide, mostly in the domestic and manufacturing sectors, which are also the primary sectors for Indonesian migrant workers. This situation further reinforces the urgency of comprehensive protection for migrant workers departing from Indonesia.
Strengthening diplomacy is also highlighted as a crucial step. The government is expected to be more active in advocating for higher protection standards through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. With strong diplomatic relations, the repatriation process for victims and legal action against perpetrators of exploitation can proceed more expeditiously.
Several observers believe that going forward, Indonesia needs to diversify its destination countries and improve competency standards for migrant workers to provide them with a better bargaining position. With higher skills, workers have the opportunity to obtain formal employment, protected by law, and with minimal risk of exploitation.
Recent cases have once again reminded us that the issue of migrant workers is not merely an economic issue, but also a humanitarian one. The government, private institutions, and the community must work together to create a comprehensive protection system, from recruitment and departure to support in the destination country.
The surge in requests for protection from victims of forced labor returning home presents a crucial opportunity for the government to accelerate reforms in migrant worker protection. With decisive action, stricter oversight, and comprehensive education, it is hoped that cases of exploitation can be reduced, allowing Indonesian migrant workers to work safely, with dignity, and with protection wherever they are.