Review 14 Indonesian Migrant Workers Crew, Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits the Safe House and Trauma Center

JAKARTA (May 10, 2020) – News about Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who work as Ship Crew (ABK) being thrown overboard on Chinese-flagged fishing vessels is being discussed by all Indonesians. Responding to the news, on May 8th, 2020, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made efforts to protect and pick up other PMI ABK who are suspected of experiencing exploitation. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred 14 PMI ABK to the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Safe House and Trauma Center (RPTC) a day ago (09/05) using the COVID-19 prevention health protocol by the Ministry of Health. 

Representing the Minister of Social Affairs, the Director General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Harry Hikmat, welcomed the arrival of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, who was accompanied by the ministry’s Director for Protection of Indonesian Citizens, Yuda Nugrahapada. This visit was intended to hold a conversation with 14 PMI ABK and to see firsthand the quarantine station.

This occasion was also attended by the Head of Sub-Directorate of Social Rehabilitation for Violence and Human Trafficking Victims, Dian Bulan Sari, and the Head of Sub-Directorate III of the Directorate of General Crimes, Police Chief Commissioner John Weynart Hutagalung.

Harry Hikmat said that the conditions of all PMI ABK are in a better condition after being at the RPTC after at least 14 months of fishing, thus, the dialogue today went smoothly.

“Currently, all PMI ABK are looking fresher and ready to get social rehabilitation services at RPTC. According to the protocol from the Ministry of Health, all of them are quarantined here for 14 days while waiting for the legal process to roll,” said Harry.

Harry further explained that the focus of RPTC is to serve and protect PMI ABK so that they will stay healthy. Moreover, all PMI ABK are directed to take part in RPTC service activities such as exercising, attending skills training, and participating in music activities. The aim is to reduce boredom and to change the mindset so that PMI ABK can be more open in conveying their feelings before they are returned to their respective families.

Furthermore, the RPTC of the Ministry of Social Affairs will provide social assistance and advocacy during the legal process, they will provide psychosocial therapy treatment, especially trauma healing for PMI ABK if they are indicated to have a traumatic disorder.

This traumatic breakdown is possible for PMI ABK because it is known that all of them experience physical, economic, and mental exploitation while at sea. All of them do not have enough rest time, they even have to work 18 hours per day, are not given proper fulfillment of nutritional needs and other rights, and are not even given a salary in accordance with the initial agreement.