Komnas HAM Terima 257 Aduan Terkait PMI Selama 2 Tahun Terakhir

Illustration of Komnas HAM. (Between)

JAKARTA - The Coordinator of the Sub-Commission for the Advancement of Human Rights at Komnas HAM, Anis Hidayah, revealed that his party had received 257 complaints related to Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in the last two years.

"In the period 2020-2022, Komnas HAM received 257 complaints related to PMI," Anis said when confirmed, Sunday, December 18, as reported by Antara.

Various cases that have been reported, said Anis, include fulfilling the rights of migrant workers, such as unpaid salaries, insurance claims, and others.

Then, there were also complaints related to requests for the repatriation of migrant workers, such as complaints of difficulties in repatriating bodies, losing contacts, to alleged hostage-taking by the employer.

In addition, there are complaints related to requests for protection and legal assistance, such as criminalization, rape victims who are in conflict with the law, detention in destination countries, and others.

Throughout the pandemic, said Anis, thousands of PMIs were victims of the Crime of Trafficking in Persons (TPPO) through scamming in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines.

"Komnas HAM data shows that the Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement Company (P3MI) is the highest party to be complained about," said Anis.

Therefore, Komnas HAM recommends the Indonesian government to integrate guarantees of human rights into policies issued and in its implementation.

"And apply the principles of Business and Human Rights to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement Company (P3MI), as well as agencies abroad for their responsibility to respect the human rights of Indonesian migrant workers," he continued.

In addition, Komnas HAM also recommends the Indonesian government to regulate, guarantee, and implement the right to obtain legal assistance for PMI which is part of the right to obtain justice in the judicial process.

This 32nd anniversary of Migrant Workers' Day is important for the Indonesian government, which is a shipping country to reflect on their protection, which is often called a foreign exchange hero," he said.