Trapped In Illegal Recruit Mode, Minister Karding's Subordinates Return 237 Bengkayang Residents From Overseas

Illustration of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO). (Between)

The West Kalimantan Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Center (BP3MI) has repatriated 237 non-procedural Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) from Bengkayang Regency throughout January 'June 2025.

The West Kalimantan BP3MI coordinator, Sutan, said that all PMIs were repatriated after being found working abroad without going through official channels so that they were vulnerable to being victims of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO).

"They departed without official procedures so they did not receive adequate legal protection. The state is here to protect, but effective protection can only be provided if the placement is carried out according to the rules," he said when contacted in Bengkayang, Antara, Sunday, August 10.

The subordinate of the Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Abdul Kadir Karding emphasized that his party continues to collaborate with various agencies to enforce Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of TIP, while increasing public awareness so as not to be tempted by illegal work offers abroad.

PMIs who depart non-procedurally are at great risk of exploitation, violence, and legal problems in the destination country. Therefore, we encourage prospective migrant workers to take official procedures that are protected by the state," said Sutan.

Head of the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DP3A) of West Kalimantan Province, Herkulana Mekaryani, encouraged the formation of a TIP task force at the regional level as part of a national strategy.

"Prevention and handling of TIP requires multi-party, cross-border, and cross-ministerial/institutional cooperation. We encourage Bengkayang to immediately map migrant workers in his area as an initial mitigation step," he said.

The Regional Secretary of Bengkayang Regency, Yustianus, emphasized the local government's commitment to strengthen cross-sectoral synergies to prevent and deal with TIPs, especially in border areas prone to illegal recruitment.

The Bengkayang Regency Government is drafting policies that are in line with national regulations so that this area is safe, child-friendly, and upholds women's dignity. Prevention and handling of TIP requires multi-party, cross-border, and cross-ministerial/institutional cooperation," said Yustianus.

He appealed to the public to be aware of work offers abroad that are not accompanied by official procedures, considering that many illegal recruitment modes are the entry points for the practice of trafficking in persons.