By: Naya Nisa Santika )*
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting and empowering Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) through various concrete steps. One of the latest steps that deserves appreciation is the effort to cooperate in job placement for Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. This step not only confirms the presence of the state in providing protection and fair opportunities for workers, but also reflects a long-term vision in increasing the competitiveness of Indonesian workers in the global arena.
Through the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), the government is exploring bilateral cooperation with the Malaysian Government. The Minister of P2MI, Abdul Kadir Karding, has made a working visit to Kuala Lumpur and discussed the opportunities for strategic cooperation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In the meeting, Indonesia encouraged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries regarding the placement of Indonesian migrant workers, especially for the skilled worker category and the addition of workforce quotas in the plantation and agricultural sectors.
This diplomatic step is part of the government’s grand strategy in transforming the governance of Indonesian migrant workers. Not only focusing on the protection aspect, the government is also actively creating space to increase the capacity and competitiveness of migrant workers, so that they can compete professionally in the international job market. With this placement cooperation, it is hoped that Indonesian migrant workers will get access to legal, decent work that is in line with their skills.
This policy is good news for millions of Indonesian workers, especially those from areas with high unemployment rates. Legal and organized overseas work placement can be a strategic solution to reduce unemployment rates, while increasing state income through remittances. In the long term, this will have a direct impact on the economic growth of the community in the PMI’s area of origin.
Abdul Kadir Karding stated that Indonesia has many prospective migrant workers who have special skills and expertise in various sectors. This potential needs to be optimized so that it can fill various sectors needed by the destination country, one of which is Malaysia. This neighboring country is still opening up wide opportunities in various fields such as construction, elderly care, hospitality, and the agricultural and plantation sectors. Therefore, the MoU that is being explored will be an important instrument to ensure that all placement processes run according to international protection standards.
This cooperation is not only about placing workers abroad, but also providing space for workers to develop themselves. By working in a professional environment abroad, migrant workers have the opportunity to broaden their horizons, improve their skills, and adopt a productive work culture. This will indirectly create a positive feedback effect when migrant workers return home. They can become local development agents, open independent businesses, and transfer skills to the surrounding community.
On the other hand, the success of cooperation in placing migrant workers in Malaysia also requires strengthening the monitoring and evaluation system periodically. The government must ensure that workers who are sent do not become victims of exploitation or human rights violations. Therefore, data integration, digital monitoring, and responsive complaint services must be strengthened to ensure maximum protection for workers.
In addition to the economic and social aspects, this labor diplomacy also strengthens bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia. In the context of regional geopolitics, cooperation that focuses on improving the quality of human resources will encourage stability and sustainable growth. Therefore, the Ministry of P2MI’s move can be a positive precedent for similar cooperation in the future, not only with Malaysia but also with other destination countries.
The government can also encourage the involvement of the private sector in supporting the placement of PMI. Labor supply companies must be committed to ethical and transparent principles. On the other hand, the community also needs to be involved in education and literacy on safe migration so that they understand the importance of legal and ethical job placement.
This policy proves that the state is present not only as a facilitator, but also a protector and empowerer of its people amidst increasingly complex global competition. By building concrete, dignified, and quality-oriented cooperation, the government gives new hope to Indonesian migrant workers so that they can contribute optimally to their familiesa and the nation.
This step also emphasizes that protecting migrant workers is not just the task of one ministry, but a national agenda that involves many parties. Synergy between institutions, stakeholders, and international partners is the main key to the success of safe, orderly, and productive placement. If this cooperation is realized in concrete form, then it is not impossible that Indonesia will become one of the countries sending skilled workers that is taken into account at the world level.
The government has shown a progressive policy direction, it remains to be seen how consistent the implementation and supervision are. The placement of migrant workers in Malaysia is not just an export of labor, but also an export of quality human resources and national identity. Therefore, all parties must support this step for a better and more dignified future for migrant workers.
)* The author is a Social Observer
