The Ministry of Social Affairs Provides Assistance for Troubled Indonesian Migrant Workers

JAKARTA (November 8, 2021) – The Ministry of Social Affairs through Social Rehabilitation Center Melati Jakarta assists 7 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who were deported (returned) from Malaysia. Monday (1/11/2021), as many as 414 PMIs were repatriated to Indonesia using aircraft facilities prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian Representatives in Malaysia. They then underwent a Covid-19 quarantine period at the Kemayoran Athlete's Wisma, Central Jakarta.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, specifically gave directions for migrant workers to receive Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) services to overcome the trauma and crisis they faced. Following up on the directive, the Head of the Jakarta Melati Center, Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga assigned 3 social workers to carry out needs assessments and provide Psychosocial Support Services (LDP) to PMIs undergoing the Covid-19 quarantine period at Wisma Atlit Kemayoran on Thursday (4/11/ 2021).

Previously, Melati Center officers coordinated with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) to obtain PMI data from the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and Greater Tangerang, according to the service coverage area of ​​the Melati Center.

Based on data from BP2MI, 6 PMI came from Tangerang Raya consisting of 4 adult women, 1 baby girl aged 4 months, and 1 boy. From the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands, there is 1 adult male.

The officer then conducted a needs assessment and provided LDP for the seven PMIs. Generally, the problem faced is the unavailability of official documents in the possession of migrant workers, so that they are arrested and served sentences based on court decisions of the Malaysian Government.

“My ID card was lost when it was confiscated by officers who were raiding it. It's hard for living there. The worst thing I have when I am in prison. I'm tired, I don't want to work abroad again," said K, telling the story of the struggle for himself and his colleagues to return to Indonesia.

Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga visited Wisma Atlit Kemayoran on Sunday (7/11/2021) and coordinated with BP2MI to accelerate the social reintegration process of PMI to their respective regions of origin.