Jakarta – The Indonesian government, through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) by providing essential education on customs regulations prior to their departure abroad.
This initiative is carried out through Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) programs held by Customs Offices in Tanjung Emas and Jember. The education sessions cover key topics such as procedures for personal shipments, passenger goods, IMEI registration, and how to complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD). Additionally, prospective migrant workers are given guidance on how to avoid fraud under the guise of customs authorities.
“This educational effort is part of Customs’ active role in protecting prospective migrant workers by providing them with the right understanding of their rights and obligations under customs law,” said Budi Prasetiyo, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Outreach at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
At Tanjung Emas Customs, the OPP sessions target PMIs who are being deployed to the Republic of Korea through the government placement scheme. The outreach took place across three different locations in the city of Surakarta. Meanwhile, Jember Customs collaborated with the Jember District Manpower Office to conduct similar outreach for dozens of future migrant workers.
The materials presented were based on recent regulations, including Ministry of Finance Regulation (PMK) No. 4 of 2025 and PMK No. 141 of 2023. Under these rules, PMIs registered with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) are entitled to customs duty exemptions for up to two units of mobile phones, handheld computers, or tablets (HKT) per year—specifically for goods brought upon their return to Indonesia.
This educational initiative also aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) in enhancing the quality of protection for PMIs. Deputy Minister of KP2MI, Christina Aryani, emphasized the importance of education and financial literacy to help migrant workers be more prepared legally and economically, both while working overseas and when they return home.
The government has also urged citizens to avoid using illegal migration channels. “Deportation cases due to illegal employment abroad remain a major concern. Village governments must act as the first line of prevention,” Christina stressed.
Through cross-agency collaboration and continuous educational outreach, the government aims to ensure that Indonesian migrant workers are able to work safely, legally, and prosperously.
