Indonesia has called on the global community to strengthen cooperation in protecting migrant workers, stressing that shared responsibility is key to ensuring their safety, rights, and dignity worldwide.
The call was made during a constructive dialogue between Indonesia and the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Their Families held in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 2 to 3, 2025. The meeting formed part of Indonesia’s regular reporting on its commitment to migrant worker rights.
Speaking during the session, Harniati, Acting Director General of Human Rights Instruments and Strengthening at the Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights, said the government remains firmly committed to improving human rights governance, especially in protecting Indonesian migrant workers, also known as PMI.
She explained that the dialogue provided important feedback on how Indonesia can further improve protection for migrant workers. Key areas discussed included stricter supervision of recruitment agencies, better migrant data systems, and stronger coordination between government institutions.
The dialogue was part of Indonesia’s obligations under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, which the country ratified in 2012. Since then, Indonesia has taken steps to align national laws and policies with international standards.
Indonesia’s delegation included representatives from several institutions, such as the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection, the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Indonesia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva. Each agency shared its role in improving protection mechanisms for migrant workers.
The Human Rights Ministry noted that the forum was an important chance to present Indonesia’s progress, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and outline plans for more effective migrant worker protection.
Harniati also stressed the importance of international solidarity. She said Indonesia is encouraging more countries to ratify the migrant worker convention and work together to address common challenges. She added that all recommendations from the UN committee will be followed up with concrete actions across relevant ministries.
During the discussion, Indonesia highlighted progress in strengthening institutions, improving complaint and reporting systems, tackling transnational crimes such as online fraud, and expanding bilateral agreements to promote ethical recruitment and safer job placement abroad.
The UN committee welcomed Indonesia’s openness and active participation, while offering recommendations to further improve the implementation of the convention. Indonesia confirmed that these suggestions will guide future policy, legal reforms, and better coordination on migrant worker issues.
Indonesia last took part in a similar dialogue in 2017, following the ratification of the convention through Law No. 6/2012. The UN committee itself is made up of 14 independent experts responsible for monitoring migrant worker rights globally.