Jusuf Kalla Ready To Help Indonesian Migrant Workers Through The World Red Cross Network

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KemenP2MI) has officially collaborated with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) to strengthen protection for Indonesian migrant workers at home and abroad.

Memorandum of Understanding or MoU was signed directly by the Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Abdul Kadir Karding and Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross, Jusuf Kalla or JK at the Indonesian Red Cross Headquarters, Jakarta, Tuesday 27 May.

According to Minister Karding, the protection of migrant workers cannot only be borne by the government. Collaboration is needed with humanitarian institutions that have a wide network and long experience in social actions.

Indonesia's Red Cross has a long history of humanitarian work and a wide network, both nationally and internationally. This is a strategic momentum for us. We really need the presence of the Indonesian Red Cross," said Karding after the signing of the MoU.

He said this cooperation would cover various aspects, including assistance in emergency situations, disasters, blood donation services, psychosocial support, to other humanitarian handling.

“Misalnya, ketika ada pekerja migran di negara yang tidak terjangkau atase ketenagakerjaan atau kantor perwakilan, Palang Merah Indonesia bisa menjadi garda depan untuk memberikan pertolongan,” tambahnya.

Karding mencontohkan, banyak pekerja migran nonprofesional yang tersebar di negara-negara Afrika belum terjangkau oleh perlindungan formal pemerintah.

“Kalau tidak ada atase, tidak ada perwakilan, siapa yang turun tangan? PMI bisa masuk dan bantu,” tegasnya.

Sementara itu, Ketua Umum Palang Merah Indonesia Jusuf Kalla menyambut baik kerja sama ini.

Menurut dia, Palang Merah Indonesia memiliki akses langsung ke jaringan internasional melalui federasi Palang Merah dan Bulan Sabit Merah.

“Kami punya koneksi ke Palang Merah dan Bulan Sabit Merah di seluruh dunia. Jadi, ke mana pun pekerja migran Indonesia pergi, kami bisa bantu,” ujar JK.

Palang Merah Indonesia juga berkomitmen memberikan perhatian khusus terhadap perlindungan pekerja migran Indonesia sebagai bagian dari misi kemanusiaan.

“Jika ada masalah, kami bisa turunkan relawan atau menghubungi mitra lokal di sana untuk segera memberi bantuan,” kata JK.

"For example, when there are migrant workers in a country that are not affordable for labor or representative offices, the Indonesian Red Cross can be at the forefront to provide assistance," he added.

Karding gave an example, that many non-professional migrant workers spread across African countries have not been reached by the government's formal protection.

"If there is no attach, there is no representative, who will intervene? PMI can come in and help," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross Jusuf Kalla welcomed this collaboration.

According to him, the Indonesian Red Cross has direct access to international networks through the Red Cross federation and the Red Crescent.

"We have connections to the Red Cross and Red Crescent around the world. So, wherever Indonesian migrant workers go, we can help," said JK.

The Indonesian Red Cross is also committed to paying special attention to the protection of Indonesian migrant workers as part of a humanitarian mission.

"If there is a problem, we can dispatch volunteers or contact local partners there to immediately provide assistance," said JK.

"It's okay"