More And More Migrant Workers Who Experience Violence, Immediately Find Permanent Solutions

Photo by Thomas Claeys on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The more often the public hears cases of violence against Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who work abroad. The government must have a comprehensive solution considering that cases of violence against them are too common.

"The state must be able to protect migrant workers from all forms of threats, especially where they work. PMIs are foreign exchange heroes so that the state has a responsibility to ensure their safety," said DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, Wednesday, May 3.

Puan also condemned acts of torture and exploitation of PMI from Banyuwangi, East Java who worked as PRT (Domestic Worker). The cases of torture experienced by PMI by their employers have continued to occur, especially in Malaysia.

"It takes steps to find the root cause of the problem and the most appropriate solution to eradicate such cases. This is important so that people who want to work abroad feel safe," he said.

Not only getting violence, but many PMIs who work as domestic workers abroad also have difficulty getting their rights. Such as health rights, food needs, and even unpaid.

"All parties involved in the affairs of migrant workers must sit down together to find a way out of the violent phenomenon against PMI, which has become an iceberg," said Puan.

"This includes streamlining communication with the governments of neighboring countries that still need our workforce," added the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan reminded that Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) has mandated the State to ensure comfort, security and fulfillment of the rights of PMIs working abroad.

"The government through BP2MI (Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency), the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) have the obligation to protect and provide legal assistance for PMIs who are dealing with the law in the country where they work," said Puan.

"In addition, I also encourage the provision of psychological rehabilitation facilities for PMIs who get violence. Do not let their mental health be disturbed and have an impact on their families when returning to their homeland," he added.

Puan also asked the Government to take firm action if cases of violence against PMI did not stop. He encouraged the Indonesian government to make a special agreement regarding the protection of migrant workers with all countries that need PMI.

"So that it can be a guide for the two countries in solving problems if there are many cases of violence against PMI," said Puan.

According to Bung Karno's grandson, Indonesia could temporarily stop sending PMIs if there was no improvement in protection for migrant workers. Moreover, PMI's demand in this sector has continued to increase in recent years.

"The state must not remain silent and let its citizens continue to be victims of violence in other countries," concluded Puan.