Hit By The Issue Of Asking Indonesian Citizens To Work Abroad, Minister Karding: Misperception, My Job Is To Place Migrant Workers

JAKARTA - The Minister of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, straightened out the misunderstanding that occurred in the public regarding him being considered asking Indonesian citizens (WNI) to seek work abroad.

He emphasized that he did not force people to work abroad, but this opportunity was a logical alternative in the midst of the high need for national job vacancies.

This was conveyed by Minister Karding in a national coordination meeting (Rakornas) for the Control of the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KemenP2MI) program in Kuningan, South Jakarta on Saturday, June 28.

"There may be a misperception. As far as I remember, I talked that I was campaigning so that children, including students, could get the opportunity to work abroad. But it was perceived and written as if I were neglecting Indonesians abroad, because there was no job in the country. Even though my job is to protect and place migrant workers, not take care of domestic employment, "said Minister Karding, confiscated by Antara.

Minister Karding explained that information related to job vacancies abroad was often informed by the Ministry of P2MI as the holder of community governance who wanted to and had worked abroad. Meanwhile, regarding domestic needs and job opportunities, the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) is holding them.

He emphasized that it has become the mandate of the Ministry of P2MI to manage the delivery of migrant workers. The ministry he leads also has the authority to improve the quality of prospective migrant workers, expand global networks, and strengthen Indonesian economic diplomacy.

"I am tasked with protecting migrant workers and placing them. So the context is clear, it does not mean that there is no work in the country, but rather provides additional opportunities abroad that are safe and legal," he continued.

In addition to straightening out perceptions, Minister Karding also reminded the importance of massive education and socialization so that the public better understands the processes, opportunities, and protection provided by the government for prospective migrant workers.

With this explanation, Minister Karding hopes that the public will understand that the program for placing migrant workers is an opportunity, not coercion, and is carried out with the principle of protection and improving welfare.