Minister Karding: Migrant Workers Are Not Second Class Residents, They Are Global Fighters

PALU - Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, emphasized that migrant workers are an important part of the nation's social and economic transformation.

This was conveyed when visiting Al-Khairiaat University in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Monday, June 9.

During his visit, Minister Karding also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the university regarding the governance of the protection of migrant workers. This collaboration includes the development of education, training, and placement of quality and global competitive migrant workers.

"This cooperation is expected to give birth to superior human resources from Central Sulawesi who are ready to work abroad with maximum protection and wider opportunities," said Karding in an electronic message received by VOI.

In an open dialogue with students, Minister Karding invited the younger generation to change their perspective on the term "migrant workers" which has been considered limited to the informal sector.

"Don't imagine that migrant workers are only domestic helpers. Sri Mulyani has worked at the IMF, Arhan and Asnawi play football abroad, even Pak Habibie was once an engineer in Germany. They are all migrant workers," he explained.

According to him, a narrow perspective makes the contribution of migrant workers often ignored. In fact, they carry the good name of the nation and become agents of change in their community of origin.

"Migrant workers are brave people, have a capacity, and have a strong determination to move forward. They are not second-class citizens, they are global fighters who deserve respect," Karding said firmly.

Minister Karding added that KemenP2MI not only focuses on legal and social protection for migrant workers, but also on the development of dignity and changes in public paradigms towards this profession.

People used to migrate from the village to the city. Now, we encourage young people to migrate to the world. Not only to make money, but to build a future and bring home value," he concluded.