JAKARTA, SATURDAY (03/28/2020) - Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara appreciated the cross-sectoral approach in handling the arrival of 114 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who were deported from Malaysia. The cross-sectoral approach is important because their arrival must comply with health protocols in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Statement of the Minister of Social Affairs Juliari responds to the Echelon 1 Technical Coordination Meeting held by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK). "This coordination meeting is one of the strategic steps across ministries / institutions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. I make sure the Ministry of Social Affairs will provide optimal support, "said the Minister of Social Affairs, in Jakarta, Saturday (03/28/2020).

The Kemenko PMK held an Echelon 1 Technical Coordination Meeting which discussed the handling of 114 Indonesian Migrant Workers who were deported from Malaysia. Their arrival must still be subject to health protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Director General of Social Rehabilitation Harry Hikmat attended the Echelon 1 Technical Coordination Meeting which was held via video conference. During the meeting, it was stated the need for support from the Ministry/Institution related in accordance with their duties and functions.

The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation is expected to be able to deliver complete data on the trauma center protection house facility for quarantine migrant workers, both currently accommodating deportation Indonesian Migrant Workers and for future needs.

Including the need to improve isolation room facilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health who can coordinate the local Health Office for disinfectant spraying, conducting rapid tests and providing complete facilities or room standards to meet ODP Covid-19 quarantine standards.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs is expected to record the origin of villages / residences of 122 people currently in the RPTC (Trauma Center Protection House). As for future needs, the Ministry of Social Affairs is asked to register and prepare centers such as the RPTC as a quarantine place candidate along with information on capacity and renovation plans / up-grading.

Regarding the detailed data in the form of number, country, entrance, and tentative date of Indonesian Migrant Workers arrival, the crew as a result of the closure of the cruise ship, as well as pilgrims who have not been able to return, will be submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Task Force for the Acceleration of Covid-19 Handling ( BNPB) for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 and the preparation of the arrival protocol.

Previously reported, as many as 114 Indonesian Migrant Workers who were deported from Malaysia were accommodated at RPTC, Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands Province (3/24). They are human trafficking victims received from the Depot Imigresen Pekan Nanas, Negeri Johor, Malaysia.

Their repatriation was carried out in accordance with the Indonesian Territory Entrance Protocol, which was an inspection of the body temperature of the Indonesian citizen M KPO in the area determined by the officer. They are required to submit a Health Alert Card (HAC) or commonly called a yellow card to health workers at the port entrance. 

They were also asked to wash their hands using water and soap or alcohol-based hand washing available. After that they were asked to use masks when they had a cold or cough. In RPTC, they undergo quarantine for 14 days.

They were also given education by social workers and the Assistance Team about knowledge of Covid-19, its transmission and prevention. In addition, there is oversight from the police in charge of controlling the provisions of social distancing.

Bureau of Public Relations
Ministry of Social Affairs