Minister Of Manpower: The Number Of Foreign Workers In Indonesia Continues To Fall

Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Ida Fauziyah said the number of Foreign Workers (TKA) has continued to decline in the last three years, with 92,058 TKA as of May 2021.

According to data from the Ministry of Manpower, in May 2019 there were 95,168 TKA working in Indonesia and decreased to 93,374 in May 2020. Data in May 2021 shows that there are currently 92,058 TKA.

"Judging from this comparison, the number of TKA entered as of May is down compared to 2019 and 2020," Minister of Manpower Ida said in a working meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives as quoted by Antara, Monday, May 24.

In addition, there has also been a decrease in the number of companies using TKA in recent years with as of May 18, 2021, there are 16,795 companies. That number is much smaller than the 19,500 companies in 2019 and 18,700 companies in May 2020.

Minister of Manpower Ida ensured a moratorium on granting new permits for the use of Foreign Workers (TKA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are exceptions for TKA working on National Strategic Projects and strategic/national vital objects.

The exception must be based on special written consideration or permission from the relevant ministries and institutions as long as it follows health protocols.

Exceptions can also be granted to Foreign Workers (TKA) that has been employed and is still in the territory of Indonesia which can be extended based on the application from the employer.

Based on Minister of Manpower data in the period January to May 18, 2021, there were 15,760 Foreign Workers (TKA) data published. The details of 9,088 TKA submitted through e-visa onshore for Immigration Special Ease holders (water residence permits) and residence permit holders (Temporary Stay Visa ITAS/ITAP).

In addition, it is also issued for the submission of new applications with the issuance of e-visas offshore a total of 6,672 Foreign Workers for those working on national strategic projects and strategic/national vital objects based on consideration or special written permission from ministries and institutions.