DPR Soroti the Fate of PMI Children, Dozens Threatened to Be Left Behind Abroad

Commission IX of the House of Representatives highlighted the protection of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in a public hearing (RDPU) with the Gresik Regency Government, Monday, April 6. The main issue discussed was the fulfillment of children's rights, especially for those who are stateless.

The meeting, which took place at 11.00 WIB, was attended directly by the Regent of Gresik Fandi Akhmad Yani together with the regional apparatus organization. Also present were the Head of Bappeda Edy Hadisiswoyo, Head of the Manpower Service Zainul Arifin, as well as representatives of social, education, and population services.

Fandi revealed the concrete steps of the Gresik Regency Government in repatriating PMI children from Malaysia. This step is part of the commitment to protect PMI from Gresik, which number reaches around 5,700 people and are spread across various districts. Regent Yani emphasized that PMI children should not be the party who bears the impact of the migration process.

"Children should not be victims of distance and migration. They must return safely, protected, and have a clear future," he said, as reported by the Gresik Regency Government website.

Gresik Regency data recorded that until December 2025 there were around 80 children from the area who were at risk of being left behind abroad. Of that number, about 30 children are prioritized for repatriation gradually.

The Gresik Regency Government also explained the distribution of PMI pockets in Gresik, including in Panceng, Ujungpangkah, Sidayu, Dukun, Manyar, and the Bawean Islands, which include Sangkapura and Tambak.

Through this RDPU, the Gresik Regency Government hopes for policy support from the central government and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia. This support is considered important to accelerate the repatriation and guarantee the fulfillment of the basic rights of PMI children.