Minister Risma: Children of Migrant Workers Also Have the Right to Success

SEBATIK ISLAND (4 November 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited the Least Developed, Frontier, and Outermost (3T) areas on Sebatik Island, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, Friday (3/11/2023).  During this visit, Minister Risma had the opportunity to meet Islamic boarding school students, female students, and residents of Sebatik Island at Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School, East Sebatik District.

When Social Affairs Minister Risma had a dialogue with the residents there, a student from Mutiara Bangsa Vocational School, who was also the child of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in Malaysia asked Risma about the clarity of his status and identity.  He also questioned the treatment and opportunities to work in Indonesia.

“My son, you are an Indonesian child.  You don't need to be discouraged.  We accept everything.  This means that you are the same as all children in Indonesia.  Don't feel like you are different.  "You can, and have the right to achieve a successful future," said Minister Risma, motivating the students and female students at Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School, Sebatik Island, Nunukan, Friday (3/11/2023).

This assertion was conveyed by Minister Risma because on Sebatik Island there are many children whose parents left behind to work as PMI in Sabah, Malaysia, especially as oil palm plantation workers.

Sebatik Island, which can only be reached via sea transportation, is owned by two countries.  The northern part of Sebatik is the state of Sabah, Malaysia.  Meanwhile, the southern part of Sebatik covers an area of ​​246.6 square kilometers, wider than the northern part, and is part of Indonesian territory in Nunukan Regency.  Sebatik Island consists of 5 districts and 19 villages.

Another question was submitted by Mutiara Bangsa students. The child revealed that he did not have a National Identity Card (KTP) and Family Card (KK) because his mother was a migrant worker in Malaysia.  "Sorry ma'am, first I want to ask, what about those of us who don't have KTP and family cards?  "Our parents are in Malaysia," he said.

Regarding clarity of status and ownership of KTP, Minister Risma promised to help children of migrant workers have clear status in the state administration system.  "Regarding KTP, I will help as much as I can. After this, I will send a team involving Dukcapil (Population and Civil Registry Service), as well as Ministry of Home Affairs to give you administrative status," said the Minister. "Yes dear, yes my son. So, please, don’t be sad again," he asked.

During his visit to Sebatik Island, the Minister of Social Affairs provided assistance in the form of 400 units of Solar Powered Public Street Lighting (PJUTS), school supplies for 169 children, as well as three personal computer (PC) units for Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School, East Sebatik.  Furthermore, in Liang Bunyu Village, West Sebatik District, Minister of Social Affairs laid the stone for building a house, as well as a symbolic handover of a seaweed drying machine.

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Deddy Sitorus, who accompanied the Minister of Social Affairs' visit, said that the presence of Minister Risma in 3T area in Nunukan Regency was a form of state presence to empower the community, including in the fields of welfare and education.  It is not easy to solve the various problems faced by people in 3T area, but the government continues to try with all its existing capabilities.