SOEs Will Prepare A Special Waiting Room For Migrant Workers At Airports

SOE Minister Erick Thohir. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir plans to prepare a special waiting room or lounge intended for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) at international airports.

This plan was conveyed by Erick after meeting with the Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PPMI) Abdul Kadir Karding, at the Ministry of SOEs Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, November 20.

"We happen to be from BUMN to be able to support the ecosystem for those who attend. Both for facilities at the airport for arrival or departure," said Erick.

Furthermore, Erick explained, the initiation regarding facilities for PMI will continue to be supported by state-owned companies. Remembering PMI protection is a concern of President Prabowo Subianto.

"He also has additional initiatives in the future which we will continue to support. Because indeed we see this migrant worker is a big program rather than Mr. President Prabowo who ensures comprehensive protection," he said.

"And also ensure this is one of the solutions to opening job opportunities for the people of Indonesia. But of course the quality is even higher, unlike before," continued Erick.

Meanwhile, PPMI Minister Abdul Kadir Karding admitted that he came to the BUMN Ministry office to ask for help with several programs related to Indonesian migrant workers.

"As a new ministry that focuses on protecting migrant jobs, we have an interest slice with the Ministry of SOEs, especially at airports," he said.

Karding said the special lounge would later be free of charge. The provision of new facilities has been discussed with the Ministry of SOEs.

The airport management is under PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia or InJourney Airports, members of the Aviation and Tourism BUMN Holding, PT Aviasi Wisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney.

"At this airport we need a special lounge for PMI and it will be opened at all international airports and the kindness of the Minister of SOEs is free for us. I think this is something extraordinary," he said.