PMI Violence Cases Are Emergency, It Is Necessary To Create The Right Solution

Photo by Rico Van de Voorde on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives highlighted the many cases of violence against Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). The House of Representatives Commission in charge of Manpower affairs asked the Government to take serious steps to resolve issues related to PMI.

"Violence and various forms of crime received by our PMI are like icebergs that have not yet had a way out. The PMK violence case is an emergency, there must be an integrated exact solution," said Member of Commission IX DPR RI, Rahmad Handoyo, Friday, May 5.

Rahmad highlighted dozens of PMIs suspected of being victims of the crime of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in Myanmar. A total of 30 Indonesian citizens are victims of online scamming who promise job opportunities. They are currently reportedly still being held captive and subjected to physical and psychological violence.

If the information is correct, the evacuation of PMI victims of TIP in Myanmar must be carried out immediately. The safety of our brothers and sisters who are being held at stake. The government must move quickly, "said Rahmad.

Not only the TIP case in Myanmar, Commission IX also highlighted the case of PMI confinement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by his agency. PMI named Waode Filqadri Reskiyanti is known to have been held or exiled by his agency for questioning her work contract.

The Waode, which is indicated to have departed non-procedurally, is accused of refusing to work, even though he only questioned work contracts that did not match the reality on the ground. Rahmad also encouraged the Government to immediately save Waode and other PMIs who experienced the same thing.

"I received a lot of reports from PMIs who received violence or got other problems in their place of work like that. The government cannot remain silent and must immediately provide help," he said.

PMIs who become victims of violence and run into problems where they work are usually dispatched non-procedurally. The DPR invites all people not to be trapped and tempted by job offers abroad through illegal channels.

"Socialization must be encouraged so that our society is not easily lured by lucrative promises by PMI agents or institutions. This is a tough task that must be done together, including by us in the DPR," said Rahmad.

The legislator from the Central Java V electoral district also reminded the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) to continue to socialize and educate PMI placement opportunities with official channels. In addition, said Rahmad, the role of the Regional Government is also very much needed to prevent people from working as PMI through illegal methods.

"Supervision must be strict. Make sure the PMI departing meets the requirements. We don't want it to be due to procedural issues, the impact of PMI being a victim of crime abroad," he said.

On the other hand, Rahmad asked the Government to facilitate access for PMI candidates who meet the requirements to immediately go to work. According to him, the massive ease of procedurality and education can prevent the rise of non-procedural PMI cases.

"Because often PMIs who have met the requirements cannot leave because they are hampered by the bureaucracy. Finally, they are desperate to leave through illegal channels. Things like this that must be considered, how to prevent bureaucratic affairs from making PMI candidates give up and move rashly," said Rahmad.

Commission IX of the House of Representatives understands the complexity of PMI's governance involving many institutions, starting from the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker), Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum HAM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), and BP2MI. Rahmad hopes that the number of parties involved will not make it difficult for PMI candidates to leave for work.

"Synergize as well as possible to make it easier for our citizens to get the opportunity to work. Avoid sectoral egos, do not let the rules overlap, and do not throw responsibilities at each other. Everyone must unite to provide the best service to the people," he said.

Based on Migrant Care records in 2020, there are around 12 government applications related to PMI. From this report, overlapping the authority of the institution causes efforts to resolve problems related to PMI to often be hampered.

"Let's work well together. Integrate everything PMI needs. Including we also encourage the Government to be firm against other countries where there are many cases of violence against PMI," concluded Rahmad.