Efforts to enhance the safety and welfare of Indonesian migrant workers were a key focus during a meeting between the Minister for Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PPMI), Abdul Kadir Karding, and the Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi. The discussion centered on providing comprehensive protection for workers at all stages of their employment journey, from pre-departure to their return to Indonesia.
Karding emphasized the importance of collaboration, acknowledging that protecting migrant workers requires joint efforts across multiple sectors. The ministers identified three critical areas of synergy to address ongoing challenges and improve support mechanisms.
The first priority is ensuring accurate and comprehensive data collection for all Indonesian workers abroad. Karding highlighted the risks faced by unregistered workers, particularly those in sectors like maritime, fisheries, and trade, who often leave the country independently without proper documentation. Enhanced data management would enable the government to offer better protection in cases of emergencies.
The second area of focus is improving human resource development to boost worker competency. With the Transportation Ministry managing 24 educational institutions, including the Polytechnic of Shipbuilding, the partnership aims to align vocational training with job market demands. This approach seeks to enhance the skills of Indonesian workers, making them more competitive in the global labor market.
The final point addressed the need for better crowd management and integration of systems at international ports and airports. Karding urged the Transportation Ministry to enhance port facilities to ensure smoother and safer transit for migrant workers.
Transportation Minister Purwagandhi expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting the potential to provide vocation-based assistance and data support. He stressed the importance of synergy in achieving maximum protection for workers.
Karding also highlighted the broader economic benefits of safeguarding migrant workers, stating that improving their conditions could boost Indonesia’s foreign exchange. The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its citizens working abroad while maximizing their contributions to the national economy.