Terima Menteri Malaysia, Menlu Retno: Perlindungan Pekerja Migrant Prioritas Politik Luar Negeri Indonesia

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI/ABI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the protection of migrant workers was one of the priority issues of Indonesian foreign politics when receiving a visit from Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Retno said that in a meeting with Foreign Minister Zamtry, she underlined the importance of law enforcement against any ill treatment or criminal acts committed against Indonesian workers, to show a sense of humanity, a sense of justice.

In addition, Foreign Minister Retno also emphasized the importance of fulfilling the rights of Indonesian workers, including financial rights, to the right to education and health services, including for migrant workers.

"I conveyed to Dato' Seri that the protection of migrant workers is one of the priority issues for Indonesian foreign politics," said Foreign Minister Retno in a virtual press statement with Foreign Minister Zamtry in Jakarta, Thursday, December 29.

"I believe Dato' Seri also agrees that Indonesian Migrant Workers have contributed to Malaysia's economic development," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Foreign Minister Retno further said that she welcomed the One Channel System for the recruitment and placement of migrant workers.

"What is needed now is a commitment so that the implementation of the One Channel System can run well, including by accelerating the integration process of information systems," said Foreign Minister Retno, adding the need for cooperation to combat human trafficking.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Zambry expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Retno, regarding the contribution of Indonesian workers and Indonesian domestic solemns (PDI) to the development of Malaysian socioeconomics.

"I guarantee to Foreign Minister Retno that Malaysia will continue to cooperate with Indonesia to ensure the withdrawal and protection of the PDI based on the applicable state law," he explained.

"I understand very well the concern of the Government of Indonesia regarding the virtues and welfare of the PDI in Malaysia. Under the leadership (Prime Minister) who has great respect for the Anwar Ibrahim Series, Malaysia will first see the handling of this PDI problem, so that justice can be upheld," he said.