JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant ministries/agencies, in 2023, has repatriated 169 abandoned children born to Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The repatriation of Indonesian citizens' children stems from the findings of shoti Taipei, the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai regarding the large number of Indonesian migrant workers who are abandoned in orphanages.
"In the context of protecting Indonesian children who are among vulnerable groups, we then return the children to Indonesia and then we cooperate with the Ministry of Social Affairs for further management," said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI Judha Nugraha as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 3.
Judha revealed that in general these children were born outside the official marriage bond of migrant workers who were in a relationship with local citizens.
"We understand that these migrant workers departed (out of the country) during the sexually-active period, while they were far from husband or wife. So we noted that there were several cases of officially married or siri, some were not even married, but then gave birth to their children and their children were abandoned," he said.
Therefore, based on Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Citizenship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helps repatriate the Indonesian citizens.
"According to the law, if one of his parents is an Indonesian citizen, then his son is entitled to Indonesian citizenship, even though his father is a foreigner," said Judha.
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After arriving in Indonesia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs tried to track down the families of the children's mothers and bring them together with their mothers' families.
"Some have met, it is clear (who is his family), that's what we prioritize," said Judha.
Beyond that number, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that there are still many Indonesian children who are not documented (undocumented) and neglected abroad.
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