By: Decky Rahman
Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) is one of the government’s priorities in the national development agenda. As foreign exchange heroes, PMI contribute trillions of rupiah each year to the country’s economy. However, many of them have to face various risks such as exploitation, fraud, or violence due to taking unofficial departure routes.
In response to this, the government through various institutions such as the Ministry of Manpower, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), and the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (KP2MI) continues to strengthen regulations and protection infrastructure for migrant workers, especially in encouraging departures through official channels.
Deputy Minister for Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PPMI), Christina Aryani, emphasized the importance of all prospective migrant workers to follow the official route. Using the official route is not only about legal compliance, but also for the safety and rights of the workers themselves. Through the official route, migrant workers receive pre-departure training, insurance coverage, legal assistance, and access to social protection in the destination country. On the other hand, migrant workers who leave illegally are very vulnerable to exploitation, violence, unpaid wages, and even torture, because they are not registered in the state protection system.
In order to strengthen this effort, the government is collaborating with higher education institutions to play an active role in fostering prospective migrant workers. One concrete step is seen in the collaboration between KP2MI and the State Islamic University (UIN) Datokarama Palu, Central Sulawesi. In early June 2025, KP2MI and UIN Datokarama agreed to build synergy through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the fields of education, training, and advocacy for the protection of migrant workers. The Chancellor of UIN Datokarama, Prof. Dr. Lukman Thahir, said that campuses have an important role in forming a young generation that is legally aware, professional, and ready to work, including if they want to work abroad.
This collaboration is an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely education, research, and community service. In this context, education will be directed to equip students and prospective migrant workers with work skills and an understanding of safe and legal migration procedures. In terms of research, the campus will conduct scientific studies related to international job opportunities, socio-economic conditions of migrant workers, and effective protection models. Meanwhile, in community service, the campus can become a center for information services and legal assistance for the surrounding community who want to work abroad.
In addition to UIN Datokarama, KP2MI through the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Service Center (BP3MI) Central Sulawesi also collaborates with Alkhairaat University (Unisa) Palu for a similar purpose. Head of BP3MI Central Sulawesi, Mustaqim, emphasized that collaboration with campuses aims to prevent brokering practices by providing official channels that are easily accessible, credible, and knowledge-based. He also added that campuses can be strategic partners in registering prospective migrant workers, providing pre-departure training, and monitoring them after they work abroad.
The impact of this cooperation is expected to not only increase the number of migrant workers who leave legally, but also strengthen Indonesia’s image as a country that is serious about protecting its citizens. Official channels guarantee basic rights for workers, such as fair wages, humane working hours, protection from violence, and access to health and legal services. Migrant workers who leave legally also tend to have a greater chance of success and bring home positive work experiences.
On the other hand, this collaboration also expands the scope of campus programs in supporting national development. Students who previously did not have access or information about overseas job opportunities can now gain proper understanding and be assisted directly by official institutions. Campus alumni are also encouraged to become safe migration ambassadors who can spread education to the wider community.
In the future, the government hopes that the collaboration model between KP2MI and campuses such as UIN Datokarama can be replicated in various other regions. This step will create a better labor migration ecosystem, based on data, transparency, and accountability. With more official channels available and easily accessible, it is hoped that the public will no longer be tempted by the flattery of brokers who promise fast departures but are full of risks.
The seriousness of the government in organizing the PMI placement system reflects its concern for the safety and welfare of its citizens. The hope is that the community, especially the younger generation, can be more selective and wise in choosing a career path abroad, and have sufficient provisions to compete professionally at the global level.
All of these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving the governance of Indonesian migrant worker placement abroad. Protection of migrant workers is not just the task of one institution, but requires synergy between institutions, the world of education, and society itself. By choosing the official path, Indonesian migrant workers not only bring home income, but also self-respect, honor, and a better future for their families and their nation.
)* Strategic Issue Observer Political Policy Analyst – Fajar Institute for Political Studies
