Indonesia is known for its high number of overseas workers or Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI). Data TKI di Indonesia shows the extent of the country’s reliance on the overseas worker industry, which has been a significant contributor to the Indonesian economy over the years.
What is TKI?
TKI is a term used in Indonesia to describe Indonesian workers who are employed overseas, typically as domestic helpers, construction workers, or factory workers. These workers are usually employed in countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, among others.
History of TKI in Indonesia
The history of TKI in Indonesia dates back to the 1970s when the government encouraged workers to go abroad to earn a living. The government’s primary motivation was to reduce unemployment and poverty levels in the country by providing job opportunities abroad. Since then, the number of TKIs has continued to increase annually as more people sought employment opportunities overseas.
Factors Affecting the Number of TKIs in Indonesia
The number of TKIs in Indonesia is affected by various factors. One of the significant factors is the country’s economic conditions. When the economy is weak, more people are likely to seek employment opportunities abroad. The other factors include low wages, lack of job opportunities, and poverty levels in the country.
Statistics on TKI in Indonesia
According to the latest data, there are approximately 9 million Indonesians working abroad, making it one of the largest labor-exporting countries in the world. Out of this number, approximately 75% are women who work as domestic helpers. Other popular occupations for TKIs include construction work, factory work, and plantation work.
Challenges Faced by TKIs
Working abroad as a TKI comes with various challenges. One of the significant challenges is the language barrier. Most TKIs do not speak the language of the country they work in, which makes it difficult for them to communicate with their employers and colleagues. The other challenges include poor working conditions, exploitation by recruitment agencies, and homesickness.
Government Regulation on TKI
The Indonesian government has put in place various regulations to protect TKIs working abroad. These regulations include a minimum salary requirement, mandatory health insurance, and a ban on recruitment agencies charging fees to workers. The government also provides assistance to TKIs who face problems while working abroad, such as repatriation assistance and legal aid.
Conclusion
The data on TKI in Indonesia shows that this industry has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy over the years. However, more needs to be done to ensure that TKIs are adequately protected while working abroad. The Indonesian government needs to work closely with other governments to ensure that TKIs are treated fairly and have access to basic rights and protections.
