Commission XIII Of The House Of Representatives Urges Strengthening The Immigration System In The Aftermath Of Banyuwangi Residents Victims Of TIP Died In Cambodia

Chairman Of Commission XIII DPR Willy Aditya/DOK PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh-VOI

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives Willy Aditya urged the strengthening of the immigration system in the aftermath of the death of Rizal Sampurna, an Indonesian citizen who was a victim of the Crime of Trafficking in Persons (TPPO) in Cambodia. Willy assessed that this case is proof that the protection of human rights (HAM) is still weak.

"Commission XIII together with the relevant commissions in the DPR and the government will continue to find the best solution so that incidents like this do not happen repeatedly," said Willy Aditya, Wednesday, May 14.

Rizal Sampurna, a resident of Banyuwangi, East Java, died after working for some time as an online gambling operator. Rizal is suspected of being a victim of trafficking in people in Cambodia.

Rizal's body was finally successfully returned to his hometown after the family struggled for 2 months to take home the deceased who was said to have died from a heart attack. The family stated that they heard the news that Rizal had died after only 2 weeks the 30-year-old man worked in Cambodia.

The cost of repatriating Rizal's body will initially be fully financed by the Banyuwangi Regency Government. However, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Phen succeeded in making a diplomatic note with the Cambodian police, and managed to ask for the responsibility of the employer to pay for the return of the bodies. The family stated that Rizal had no history of heart disease.

Willy also appreciated the cooperation of various parties, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, as well as civil society who also advocated and facilitated the process of repatriating Rizal's body.

The existence of criticism of the process of repatriating the bodies of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) is considered to be a constructive thing so that the system in the future is better.

"The various criticisms of this process must be seen in a constructive framework to continue to build a better system. We do need to continue to improve cooperation with countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, and others that are often our PMI destinations," said Willy.

The chairman of the commission in the DPR in charge of immigration and human rights affairs also observed several driving factors such as poverty and unemployment, as well as the attracting factors in the form of work promises abroad which became the mode of syndicates. Therefore, Willy emphasized that comprehensive handling of this mode must be carried out.

"We urge that the immigration process be really optimized to prevent the departure of Indonesian citizens as illegal workers abroad. This is also part of protecting state human rights from its citizens, especially in terms of getting a decent job and living," he explained.

Meanwhile, Rizal was employed as an online gambling scammer in Cambodia through a non-procedural route. Rizal was employed through an illegal agent who brought him by smuggling along with 20 other Indonesians.

If viewed further, Willy assessed that this case occurred because the state lacked resources to oversee the delivery of labor that was carried out outside the official mechanism. According to him, there must be a solution in overcoming this, including cooperation with the community.

"But it must also be admitted that the Indonesian surveillance system abroad that we have must continue to be developed as a guarantee of the state's presence of all its citizens," said Willy.

Willy also supports various efforts made by President Prabowo Subianto regarding the protection of PMI, as well as firm directions for violations that occur. He said that the government and the DPR, especially Commission XIII, also really paid attention to the situation of twisted factor'' or 'pull factor' and 'pull factor' why there are still many Indonesian citizens who choose to become PMI even through illegal channels.

"This is important to improve the rules to protect PMI and Indonesian citizens abroad," said Willy.

Willy also assessed that a number of programs in Asta Cita Presiden Prabowo Subianto had targeted these two things. Such as the free nutritious food program (MBG) to the Red and White Cooperative which is expected to be able to help the economic burden of the community so as not to be tempted by illegal work offers abroad.

"The burden of living economy is minimized by Free Nutrition Food, Red and White Cooperatives, and job absorption programs which will also soon be seen as a result," he said.

Willy said President Prabowo had also asked the authorities to take firm action against criminal syndicates who tricked Indonesian citizens into working abroad through illegal routes.

"On the pull factor side, President Prabowo has also very firmly asked the Police and government officials to take action against illegal syndicates sending PMIs. I am sure that the Indonesian police with the help of various parties have known the syndicate's data and are just waiting for time to eradicate it," concluded Willy.