Mahfud Reminds Not To Block The Right To Choose Indonesian Migrant Workers

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD at the International Migrant Day event in Depok, West Java, Wednesday (20/12). (ANTARA/Hana Kinarina)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD reminded all parties not to hinder the voting rights of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) because they are protected legally.

Mahfud explained that Indonesia has now implemented an inclusive electoral system that allows the granting of voting rights from abroad along with 115 other countries with the Overseas Election Committee.

Therefore, he emphasized that there should be no attempt to prevent PMI from fulfilling their respective voting rights and at the same time asking PMI not to abstain.

"With the Overseas Election Committee, PMI's rights are facilitated in the election. So, I encourage PMIs to all use their voting rights, a big loss if they are involved in Golput," said Mahfud at the International Migrant Day event in Depok, West Java, as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, December 20.

According to Mahfud, each PMI has the opportunity to choose candidates who are concerned about solving problems around Indonesian migrant workers, including the high number of cases of Trafficking in Persons (TPPO) and job opportunities fraud.

The reason is, PMI is a contributor to the state foreign exchange of IDR 159.6 trillion per year, which is the second largest foreign exchange contribution after the oil and gas (Migas) sector.

However, Mahfud's field review found that there were still many big problems faced by PMI which directly had an impact on welfare, even PMI's safety.